The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is repeating the warning to the public that calls are being made to residents from people claiming they are a member of the department.

The caller stating the resident has missed a court date, or missed jury duty and claim there is now a fine due and a warrant issued. The caller states to avoid incarceration they need to satisfy the bail on the warrant by asking for a credit card or it can be paid by buying gift cards at a store. After the purchase of the gift cards, the victim gives the numbers on the gift card to the scammer and the scammer immediately redeems them.

There have been two Douglas County residents who have been scammed for more than $5,000 each. 

The calls may appear local on the resident’s caller ID, but they may be computer “spoofed” to show a local number.

Senior citizens are being targeted.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or any other law enforcement agency will never call the public to notify them that they owe money on a warrant or fine. The public is encouraged to hang up on those calls and never give out personal information on the phone.