Franklin Co. Sheriff Warns of Phone Scammer Targeting Citizens

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

Authorities in Franklin County are warning of a con artist calling citizens and telling them he is with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

According to Franklin County Sheriff Stevie Thomas, the caller tells people he is the department’s warrant officer.

“The caller identifies himself as Sgt. Snyder with the Warrant Division of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office,” Thomas said. “He’s been leaving a 706-244-6733 number. The caller says he’s calling regarding a warrant for failure to appear for jury duty or grand jury duty or reference to a warrant.”

Thomas said the caller then threatens to have people arrested if they do not pay up.

“He offers the victim a chance to pay the warrant over the phone. This is a scam. Do not give this person any money or any personal information. This person does not work for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office,” Thomas said. “If you receive a call from this person we ask that you report it to the Sheriff’s Office immediately.”

Thomas is warning people to not send this person any money because it is a scam.

He said if you have been a victim of this telephone scam, you can also call him directly on his cell phone at 706-491-4132 or call 911 to report it.

According to Thomas, this scammer has gotten money out of seven people in Franklin County with this bogus threat so far.

Again, if you have been a victim of this phone scam or know of someone who has, you should call the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to report it at 706-384-2525 or 911 and an investigator will call you back.