ROANOKE, Va. — The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam in which callers are posing as law enforcement officers and demanding money from the family members of people who have recently been arrested.
Officials say the scam can be especially convincing because the callers may already know details about a person’s arrest. The scammers may identify themselves as sheriff’s deputies, provide what appear to be badge numbers and use law enforcement terminology in an effort to make the call sound legitimate.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, callers may tell family members that their loved one will remain behind bars unless money is sent immediately for bond, release fees or another supposed legal expense.
Victims may then be instructed to send money using services such as Venmo or Cash App, purchase gift cards or use another form of electronic payment.
The Sheriff’s Office says at least one person has already lost money as a result of the scam.
Sheriff’s Office: We Will Not Demand Payment Over the Phone
Authorities are emphasizing that the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office will never call someone and demand payment over the phone in order to secure another person’s release from jail.
Residents who receive this type of call are encouraged to hang up rather than continue speaking with the caller.
The Sheriff’s Office recommends independently contacting the appropriate law enforcement agency through a verified phone number before providing any information or sending money.
Officials also warn residents not to trust a caller simply because the person appears to know details about an arrest or provides a name, badge number or phone number that looks legitimate.
Caller ID information can be manipulated, and scammers often use publicly available information or other sources to make their stories more believable.
Scammers Use Fear and Urgency
Law enforcement officials say these scams often rely on creating panic.
A caller may claim that payment must be made immediately or that a loved one will remain incarcerated, face additional charges or experience some other consequence if money is not sent.
That sense of urgency is designed to prevent potential victims from taking the time to independently verify the situation.
The message from the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office is simple:
Stop. Verify. Don’t send money.
Anyone receiving a suspicious call involving an arrest, bond payment or someone claiming to represent law enforcement should independently contact the appropriate agency before taking any action.