The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has been notified that a local scam is going on in our community involving parties claiming to be either a law enforcement agency or General Hamilton County Government Office.

According to a press release from the sheriff’s department, the caller and/or message received states that the person or person(s) have failed to show up for jury duty or have failed to pay bond fees. Furthermore, the fraudulent party is also claiming that unless the party calls a number and sends money via a money order, warrants will be issued leading to an arrest or heavy fines will be imposed.

HCSO is encouraging any resident who is contacted via phone from any law enforcement agency or general Hamilton County Government Office to never submit monetary funds over the phone or via money order until verifying with the appropriate government agency. All Hamilton County Government offices and the HCSO communicate via mail and/or registered mail and will never solicited funds over the phone. This includes the Internal Revenue Office (IRS) as well.

Scams are not new to our community and can come in a variety of ways. The HCSO has offered scam alerts in the past.

Commercial scams can also be difficult to recognize. For more information on commercial scams, please contact your local Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Also, residents should also be weary of charities contacting them to solicit funds for victims and families affected by Hurricane Matthew.