Augusta County Sheriff's Office warns of phone scam
VERONA — The Augusta County Sheriff's Office recently warned of a phone scam that is circulating in the area, a press release said.
The sheriff's office said the caller claims to be "Sgt. Davis," "Deputy Cruz," "Lt. Daniels," or another deputy from the agency.
"If you don't answer the phone, they are leaving the citizen a message that they need information from them, and to call them back," the release said.
The sheriff's office said when the victim calls back they are met with a recording similar to the agency's non-emergency number. An automated message purports to be from the Augusta County Sheriff's Office and lists additional options before the call is answered.
"When you call the number back, the person that answers the phone sounds very believable" but is an imposter, the sheriff's office said.
The release said the Augusta County Sheriff's Office will not call to ask for money, or inform residents they will be arrested if they don't pay a certain amount of money, or ask a person to purchase gift cards, or ask for any kind of cash in lieu of getting arrested.
If anyone receives a call from a person claiming to be a representative of the sheriff's office and is asking for money, the press release said to disconnect the call.
Brad Zinn is the cops, courts and breaking news reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip? Or something that needs investigating? You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@newsleader.com. You can also follow him on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Augusta County Sheriff's Office warns of phone scam
