Sheriff Warns Residents: Scam Callers Posing as Law Enforcement Officers

On February 22, Churchill County Sheriff Richard Hickox released information that his office had received reports concerning fraudulent telephone calls claiming the recipient failed to appear for jury duty and/or had an outstanding arrest warrant. These calls are a scam, not from the sheriff’s office or any local court. The scammer tells the recipient that they can avoid arrest or other negative consequences by making a payment, which may include purchasing a pre-paid card, such as a Green Dot card or other gift card, and then giving the card number to the scammer.

Hickox warns that scammers may sound convincing and use factual information about the victim, such as real court addresses and real names of law enforcement officers, to make the swindle appear more credible. It is still a fraud; do not be fooled.

The Churchill County Sheriff’s Office does not do business in this manner.Hickox advises the community, “If you ever have a concern that you may not be talking to an actual member of the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office, you can always call us directly at 775-423-3116” 775-423-3116.”