Scammers impersonating deputy to demand bond payments

Local authorities say that a person is impersonating a county deputy and trying to scam people out of money.

According to the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department, residents are reporting that someone claiming to be a Lt. Fuller with the sheriff’s department is calling to demand payment of bonds for people who were recently arrested. The phone number appears to be coming from the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department according to caller ID. But that Caller ID information is falsified by the scammer.

After making contact, the scammer will demand payment through Bitcoin via QR codes through Walmart. Authorities say that only scammers will ever ask you to purchase gift cards, prepaid debit cards or use a payment app, wire transfer service or crypto currency to pay a debt or fine.

Scammers frequently impersonate law enforcement officials over the phone. Authorities warn you not to give out your personal or financial information to a caller. Law enforcement officers will never ask for you to make a payment over the phone to avoid arrest.
Should you get one of these calls, authorities say that you should hang up.

If you have any questions you should call your local authorities.