Telecommunications and cybercrimes continue to run rampant locally and nationally--the latest evidence of this has been reported in Stephens County.
The county's Sheriff's Office has posted a warning on their social media page about recent attemps by criminals to scam local residents out of finances by claiming to be an officer from their department, seeking personal information and payments from phone call vicitms. Their post said, "We are aware that an individual claiming to be Lt. Alex Smith of the Stephens County Sheriff's Office is calling Stephens County residents stating they owe money for missing a federal grand jury subpoena and have a warrant for their arrest. Well, we don't know 'Lt. Smith', but we do know THIS IS A SCAM."
Stephens County officials remind residents that they will never inform you of a warrant for arrest by a phone call, and that they will only contact you about such warrants face-to-face at your home, on the street, or if you appear at the Stephens County Jail.
Officials also noted that they will never ask for money to make such a warrant disappear, but reminds residents that should you miss a jury duty summons, such a warrant would be served to you in person on an authorized sheet of paper from a deputy.
Sheriff's officials urge residents to NOT reply, call back or send finances in any form to such scammers attempting to steal from you.
If you have any questions, or if you receive a call from any individual claiming to be with the Stephens County Sheriff's Office and you want to be sure it's actually authentic, you are encouraged to call their office for confirmation at (706) 886-2525.
