Stephens County Sheriff warns public of new scam

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public of a scam circulating around Stephens County.

According to Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley, the scam uses the Sheriff’s Office as a way to perpetrate fraud among members of the community.

Shirley says his office has received reports of a person calling individuals claiming to be a member of the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect will warn the individual that they have an outstanding warrant and tell them that they have 72 hours to pay a fine before the charges become criminal.

According to Shirley, the suspect will list off citation numbers and urge the victim to pay the fine either through cards purchased at convenience stores or by linking their bank account with one that the suspect states is also linked to the Sheriff’s Office.

Shirley warns the public that this is neither normal practice nor the policy of the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office to reach out to its citizens regarding warrants, as well as request money.

The reported incidents are currently being investigated by the Criminal Investigations Division.

Shirley urges anyone who has received a call like this or who believe they have fallen victim to this fraud to file a report with the Sheriff’s Office by calling the non-emergency number for Stephens County Dispatch at 706-799-3911.