Scammers Pose As Lorain County Sheriffs, Rip Off Residents

AVON LAKE, OH — Scammers posing as local law enforcement are again targeting Lorain County residents.

Con artists are pretending to be deputies with the Lorain County Sheriff's Office and telling residents they have an outstanding warrant for missing jury duty. The resident is then asked to confirm personal information with the "deputy" while on the phone. The resident is then asked to pay off the warrant by getting gift cards and then reading the card numbers to the scammer.

"We want to remind the public that no law enforcement agency will call and solicit funds to clear up warrants," the Lorain County Sheriffs said on social media. "Should you receive a call, do not release personal information, hang up and call your local law enforcement jurisdiction and try and verify the information."

Scammers use technology that always them to "spoof" the phone numbers for police departments or sheriff's offices. While the numbers may appear legitimate on your cell phone, be wary of any strange requests for personal information or soliciting of funds over the phone.