WCSO warning of phone scam

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.