Bucks Co. Sheriff Warns Of Scammers Impersonating Deputies

DOYLESTOWN, PA ? If you receive a call from a deputy claiming to be with the Bucks County Sheriff's office and asking for money and personal information, hang up. It's a scam.

That's the word from Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran who issued a countywide scam alert after the department received reports of individuals posing as deputies trying to scam people out of their money through phone calls and emails.

"We have received reports of scammers calling residents, falsely claiming to be from the Bucks County Sheriff's Office," said Harran. "They may use aggressive and threatening language to pressure you into providing personal information or making payments."

Harran said the Bucks County Sheriff's Office will never call on the phone or send emails demanding money. And they will never ask for money over the phone or via email for any reason.

In addition, Harran said the department does not issue federal warrants or jury warrants over the phone or via email.

Here's what you need to know to protect yourself from being scammed:

The scammers are using authentic names from the Sheriff's department. Scammers may have obtained the names to sound more legitimate.

They are spoofing the department's phone number. The number displayed on a caller ID might appear to be the Bucks County Sheriff's Office, but it is a fake ("spoofed") number. The spoofed number may go to a fake voicemail and a fake department. If you try to call the number back, you might reach a recording or an individual pretending to be with the Sheriff's Office.

Here's what to do if you receive a suspicious call:

• Do not stay on the phone. If you feel pressured or uncomfortable, hang up.
• If you are concerned, take these steps: Ask for the caller's name. Ask for their badge number. Ask for their specific department within the Sheriff's Office. HANG UP.
• After hanging up, independently search online for the official phone number of the Bucks County Sheriff's Office. Do not use any number the caller provides.
• Call the Sheriff's Office directly at the verified number. The department can confirm if the person who called is a legitimate member of the team.
• The department will never threaten a person over the phone. County deputies conduct themselves professionally and will not resort to threats or intimidation during phone calls.

Important Information About Warrants and Payments

• You cannot pay law enforcement to get rid of a warrant. This is never a legitimate process.
• If there was a legitimate payment to be made to the Sheriff's Office, it would never be in the form of: Bitcoin, gift cards, payments made at random kiosks at grocery stores, Walmart or any other standalone retail location.

"If you have been scammed or would like to make a report, contact your local police department immediately," said Harran. "They are the appropriate agency to handle reports of fraud and scams."

He added, "Stay vigilant and remember that the Bucks County Sheriff's Office will never ask you for money over the phone or internet. If you receive such a call, it is a scam."