A warrant scammer conned a Riegelwood woman out of $16.400, according to the sheriff’s office.
The sheriff’s office said the woman, who is in her 40s, was contacted via phone by a caller who claimed to be a law enforcement officer. She was told that she had outstanding warrants that required immediate payment, or she would be arrested.
“The victim subsequently withdrew approximately $16,400 and deposited the funds into a cryptocurrency (Bitcoin) machine as directed by the caller,” she sheriff’s office reported.
The woman was then ordered to pay more money, but family members intervened and called law enforcement.
Warrant scams are among the most effective flim-flams, according to law enforcement. Callers clone local telephone numbers, and sometimes use the names of real officers.
The sheriff’s office and courts will never require immediate payment via cryptocurrency, officials said. If you receive such a call, do not provide any information, and contact the sheriff’s office or local law enforcement.
