Scammers posing as Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office deputies are trying to swindle money from city residents, officials say.
In this particular scam, the swindler pretends to be a deputy in possession of an outstanding warrant for a Virginia Beach resident in order to get the victim’s personal information. Another popular scam includes the same plot, except the scammer claims the victim has missed jury duty and owes the sheriff’s department payment of a fine.
Lately the scammers have also been spoofing, or replicating, the sheriff’s office phone number (757-385-4555) to make the scheme more realistic.
But that’s just not the way the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Department works, said spokeswoman Kathy Hieatt.
Anyone being served with a legitimate outstanding warrant for their arrest will be contacted directly by the Virginia Beach Police Department. People who have missed jury duty will get a notice from court in the mail.
“We would like to continue to remind the public that we do not contact people about outstanding warrants… and will never ask for money over the phone,” Hieatt said.
If you believe you’re on the phone with a scammer, report it to police at 757-385-8101. Do not give away any personal information.
