Scam Involving People Pretending To Be With Sheriff's Office Makes Its Way To Philadelphia
By Mike Dunn
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A phone scam that was reported earlier this month in Bucks County has spread to Philadelphia. It involves people posing as Sheriff's deputies calling residents and demanding payments.
The Bucks County Sheriff's office put out the alert two weeks ago and now Philadelphia Sheriff Jewell Williams is doing the same.
They're warning of scam artists claiming to be with the sheriff's office and ordering the victims to send money for failing to appear before a jury.
Sheriff Williams says, "If you get a call from someone saying that the sheriff's office is requiring or requesting you to give money, or go to a payment center, it is illegal."
Councilman Curtis Jones, representing the 4th District, says his office has also received complaints of the scam.
"Its bogus! These folks are reaching out, having them going to check cashing places, sending money for something that the city of Philadelphia doesn't officially go after people for."
Williams, as wells as Bucks County Sheriff Edward Donnelly, say their offices would never call residents asking for money, but rather would deliver by hand a court-executed warrant.
More information at: officeofphiladelphiasheriff.com. Any Philadelphian who feels they've been victimized by the scam can call the Sheriff's office at 215-686-3578.
