Madison County Sheriff’s Office Contributor
A scam attempt has been reported to be circulating in Madison County again. The scammer calls and identifies themself as an employee of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). The scammer will call from an unknown number. They inform the intended victim that they missed a court date for Federal jury duty and now have a Failure to Appear warrant and need to pay money to avoid prosecution. The scammer advises that the victim needs to pay $8,000 but the amount may be different. The scammer may threaten to have a law enforcement agency come pick the victim up on that warrant. When asked to verify that the caller is from the MCSO, the caller advises he will call the victim back. The victim will receive a call from the MCSO administrative number (850) 973-4151 but the scammer has spoofed the number using software. This is a scam. Please remember an employee of the MCSO will never call you and ask for money. Here are some ways to protect yourself: • If a company, business or agency contacts you, hang up and call the company/business/agency yourself to verify. • Never provide personal or account information, or passwords to individuals who are not known. • Never pay or transfer money to someone not known either over the phone or computer. If you believe you have been a victim of this or any other scam and have given personal information over the phone, call the MCSO at (850) 973-4001 ext. 1.