The Centre County Sheriff’s Office says it has been receiving several reports a day from individuals getting scam calls from someone falsely claiming to be with the sheriff’s office.
Calls have originated from different numbers but most recently have come from (814) 281-5903, according to a press release.
The scam message says “You have reached the Centre County Sheriff’s Office, if this an emergency please hang up and call 911,” then tells the victim they have reached ‘Sgt. Mike Thompson of the courts warrant division’ and to leave a message. Victims also are told there is a warrant for their arrest for “failure to appear for a federal court warrant” for a scheduled court hearing.
When the number is called back, an automated voice message says to leave a message and Sgt. Thompson will return the call.
‘If you are receiving these calls, please do not give them any personal information, bank account information, money orders or purchase any kind of money/gift/ITunes cards,’ the sheriff’s office news release said. ‘Centre County Sheriff’s Office will not contact you and ask you for personal or bank account information.’
If you are unsure if the call is legitimate, contact the Centre County Sheriff’s Office at (814) 355-6803 or your local law enforcement agency.
