Scammers are getting smarter.
Fraudulent criminals have figured out how to fool the public into believing they are law enforcement using a new technique involving fake answering machine messages for when you call them.
The Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office in Arkansas has recently been alerted to numerous scam calls where the caller impersonates officers from their department. The newest scheme involves setting the voicemail of fake numbers to sound like they come from the sheriff’s office. So if you call them back, it sounds like you called the Sheriff’s office.
Voicemail Scheme Reported By Sheriff’s Office
Scammers have gone as far as to mimic high-ranking officials like Chief Deputy Wooley and Lieutenant Dixon, using spoofed phone numbers. According to officials:
“The scammers have even put a fake FCSO voicemail on that number. Please do not fall victim to these scams.”
Victims reported receiving calls from a number with a fake Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office voicemail attached, increasing the scam’s credibility.
Sheriff’s Office Clarification: Authorities emphasize that they never initiate calls to demand money or personal information over the phone.
Residents are urged to verify any suspicious calls by directly contacting the Sheriff’s Office at 501-450-4914 or the non-emergency line at 501-328-5906.
