Scam Alert: Columbia County warns residents about calls from fake deputies

LAKE CITY, Fla. – The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is advising residents to be aware of a telephone scam sweeping the community.

The sheriff’s office shared the issue Saturday morning in a Facebook post. According to deputies, residents are receiving calls from someone falsely representing themselves as being with the sheriff’s office. The caller threatens to arrest the individual for missing a court date and then demands financial payment in lieu of arrest.

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Deputies want residents to know that this type of call is a scam. They said notices regarding court appearances are provided in writing and not by phone.

Do not provide the caller with any personal information, they warned.

If you receive a scam call like this, disconnect the call. Since the sheriff’s office is aware of the scam, deputies said there is no need for further reports unless your information has been compromised or you are trying to verify legitimate business with the sheriff’s office.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can call dispatch at 386-719-2005.


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As a proud alumnus of Bethune-Cookman University, Kendra is a Jacksonville native, who loves all things lifestyle-related.