Sheriff’s department warns of phone scam involving arrest warrants

The Whitley County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents of a phone scam targeting local residents.

Officials with the sheriff’s department said a resident contacted deputies Monday night after receiving one such call.

According to the victim, the male caller stated he was from the sheriff’s department and requested an over-the-phone payment to avoid arrest on an outstanding warrant.

The caller provided a badge number, but it was not consistent with the sheriff’s department’s unit numbers.

“He (the caller) named a local judge, claiming the victim had an appearance before that judge, claiming the victim had an appearance before the judge,” officials stated. “The caller’s number was a (606) 549 number.”

Officials emphasized that law enforcement will not contact a wanted person seeking payment over the phone in exchange for not being arrested.

Anyone who receives a similar phone call is asked to contact the sheriff’s department at 549-6006, or Whitley County E911 at 549-6017.