Sheriff's office warns against 'warrant and citation' scam

Moats/ ICN file photo

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

The Vigo County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public not to fall victim to the latest phone scam in the area.

Officials say they've received numerous reports from citizens who've gotten suspicious calls from "deputies" in the VCSO "Warrants and Citation Division," informing them that they have an arrest warrant for failure to appear. 

“This is definitely a scam,” Chief Deputy John Moats stated in a press release today. “Not only does our office not have a Warrant and Citation Division, under no circumstances will we call demanding money for a warrant.”  

In attempt to obtain financial information from potential victims, the caller is reportedly claiming they can avoid arrest if they put the fine amount on a Green Dot Debit Card for payment.

After demanding payment, the caller then directs the victim of the scam to go to the courthouse to receive a receipt.

The matter is under investigation. Meanwhile, residents should report suspicious phone calls to the VCSO.

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