Scammers pretending to be sheriff’s deputies seeking payment

Authorities are warning of a scam in our area where the scammer pretends to be with a local sheriff’s department while trying to get your personal information and money.

The Decatur County Sheriff’s Department says that someone has been reaching out to people, claiming to be Lt. Coleman with the department.. They stress that there is not a Lt. Coleman on the department’s staff.

Law enforcement officers will never ask for you to make a payment over the phone, by text or message to avoid arrest. And no legitimate agency or organization will demand you pay via crypto currency, gift cards, phone apps., pre-paid debit card or by clicking on a bar code or scanning a QR code

The sheriff’s department warns that you should not provide your information or make a payment to the scammers. Instead, you should verify any caller’s information by contacting police directly from a number you find from a reputable source.

If you have any questions you should contact police in your community.