Middlesex Sheriff Warns Of Imposter Scam

WOBURN, MA — The Middlesex Sheriff's Office warned Friday about a recent phone scam in where scammers pose as sheriff's deputies and demand gift cards.

The office has received multiple calls about the scam in the past several days. Scammers use real deputy names and say victims must turn themselves in or face arrest.

"In this and similar scams, victims are told they may be able to get out of the arrest by paying a fine using gift cards," the sheriff's office said.

Several recent targets of the scam have been mental health care professionals, according to the news release.

“We want everyone to be aware of these scams,” said Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian in a statement. “Whether you are a retiree, laborer or medical professional – no one is immune from being targeted by these criminals.”

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.