Seniors targeted by phone scammers posing as deputies

Telephone scammers are targeting York County seniors by posing as York County Sheriff’s deputies.

In the past four weeks, scammers have used the names and titles of two sheriff’s office employees to implement their crimes, the sheriff’s office said Monday.

Those running the so-called phishing scheme are calling potential victims using the name Lt. Kevin Jones and telling them they have fines for missing jury duty or court.

On Sept. 18, York County deputies took a report from a senior who received several calls from a person claiming to be Maj. Hudgins from the York County Sheriff’s Office. The caller told the victim she had missed court and needed to pay a $985 fine. The victim provided credit card information and later went to the sheriff’s office where she learned the actual Maj. Hudgins did not call her.

Earlier this year scammers used the name Capt. Jerry Hoffman to bilk residents over the phone. Neither the York County Sheriff’s Office not any law enforcement agency will ever call to demand money, said Sheriff Bruce Bryant.

“These despicable scammers prey on the most trusting people,” Bryant said in a statement. “We will investigate these cases and work diligently to bring these criminals to justice.”

Bryant advises anyone who receives one of these calls to hang up and call the YCSO at 803-628-3056 or 803-628-3059, to report the incident.

According to the sheriff’s office common warning signs of telemarketing fraud and what a caller may tell you include:

▪  “We have a warrant for your arrest.”

▪  “You have missed jury duty or a court date, and must pay a fine.”

▪  “Your (family member) is in prison and to bail them out.”

▪  “You must act now, or the offer won’t be good after today.”

▪  “You’ve won a free gift, vacation, or prize. But you have to pay for postage and handling or other charges.”

▪  “You must send money, give a credit card or bank account number, or have a check picked up by courier.”

Also, the callers tell victims they do not need to speak to anyone else, including your family, lawyer or accountant.

Online resources to identify potential phone scams targeting seniors are available at yccoa.com, ncoa.org and fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud/seniors.

This story was originally published September 21, 2015 at 10:32 AM.