Phone scammers are calling Washoe County residents saying they are from the sheriff’s department and that they want money. The scammer tells the person there is a warrant out for their arrest that includes a fine.

The scammer then tells the potential victim that their options are either to surrender themselves to the sheriff’s office for arrest or pay a “reduced” payment. The scammer provides instruction on how the payment should be submitted, usually through an “eGift” cash card or similar payment to a specified account or name given by the caller.

While the sheriff’s department will call people to inform someone about a warrant, no one will ever ask for payment over the phone or offer to negotiate for reduced payment in lieu of arrest. Anyone with questions about a warrant may call the courts or local law enforcement.

Anyone who has been a victim of this scam, or who receives such a call, is encouraged to take down as much information as possible, such as a name and call back number, without giving any information away. Then contact the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office at 775.785.9276.