MIDDLETON — The Essex County Sheriff’s Department issued a warning Tuesday about an ongoing phone scam where callers fraudulently claim to be deputies, demanding money for supposed court warrants.
In the reported scam, individuals receive calls from someone posing as a member of the Sheriff’s Department.
The scammer tells the victim they have outstanding warrants that can be settled by paying a specific amount of money.
The Sheriff’s Department confirmed this practice is a scam and urged residents to hang up immediately on such calls.
A man came forward Tuesday morning reporting he had been duped by the fraudulent scheme, sending $12,000 to the scammers.
In light of this incident, the Sheriff’s Department is reminding the public to never share personal or financial information over the phone with unknown individuals.
Residents who suspect they have fallen victim to this scam are encouraged to contact their local police or the state’s Attorney General’s office at (617) 727-8400 to report the incident.
