Warren County, VA — The Warren County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about an ongoing phone scam in which individuals are impersonating deputies and attempting to trick citizens into handing over personal information or money.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, residents have reported receiving calls, voicemails, and text messages from people falsely claiming to represent the Sheriff’s Office. In many cases, if the number is called back, a recorded message even answers as though it were official. The scammer then tells the victim they need to discuss a “legal process” or “missed jury duty.”

The caller may provide personal details such as current or past addresses to appear legitimate, but the Sheriff’s Office stresses that these calls are fraudulent.

The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public:

Law enforcement and courts will never demand payment or personal information over the phone or by text. Requests for unusual payment methods, including prepaid gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, are red flags. Legal processes are only served in person or through official documents, not unsolicited calls or texts. Anyone receiving such a call should not provide information, should not make payment, and should hang up immediately.

Citizens who want to verify the legitimacy of a call should contact the Sheriff’s Office directly at (540) 635-4128.

The Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to share this warning with family, friends, and neighbors—especially those who may be more vulnerable to scams.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.