GRAND ISLAND — A Grand Island resident was targeted in a phone scam Wednesday morning, Aug. 20, by individuals pretending to be from the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.
According to Grand Island Police, officers received a report of theft by deception after a 70-year-old man said he was contacted by someone claiming to represent the Sheriff’s Office. The caller falsely told him that an arrest warrant had been issued and demanded $2,000 to avoid jail.
The incident remains under investigation. Authorities warn that scammers often impersonate law enforcement officers to pressure victims into sending money.
The Federal Trade Commission cautions that these fraudsters may demand payment through methods such as cash, Bitcoin ATMs, gift cards, or peer-to-peer payment apps like Zelle, Cash App, or Venmo. To appear legitimate, scammers frequently spoof caller ID numbers to display official agencies. The FBI advises anyone receiving such calls to hang up immediately and report the incident to local authorities.
How to avoid becoming a victim:
Be cautious of phone calls from unfamiliar numbers.
Never send money to someone you don’t personally know and trust.
Do not share personal information, such as your Social Security number, over the phone.
Comments