CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Deputies in York County are warning the public about a phone scam that's been reported in the area from a man claiming to be with the sheriff's office about a warrant for missing court.
The York County Sheriff's Office said it has received multiple calls about residents receiving calls from a "Lt. Robert Singleton" with the sheriff's office calling people and telling them he has a warrant for their arrest for missing a court date. It's unclear if the suspect was demanding money or personal information from his targets.
The York County Sheriff's Office said there is no Robert Singleton employed there. In a tweet, the sheriff's office confirmed that deputies won't call or threaten someone with arrest for a warrant. Instead, deputies would come to someone's home if they have a warrant.
"If you get a call like this, hang up," the tweet reads.
Any person who receives a call like this is asked to call the York County Sheriff's Office at 803-828-3059.
Tips to avoid becoming a victim of a scam
Emotional appeal - Any pitch that ratchets up your emotion will inhibit your rational judgment.
Sense of urgency - You MUST act now, or else.
Request for unorthodox payment - Gift cards, prepaid credit cards, wire transfers, etc.
Explanations that don't ring true - If your new “landlord” can’t show you the inside of the house, that could be because they don’t own it.
You won, now pay up - It’s not a prize if you have to pay for it. Taxes, fees, shipping, whatever.
Too good to be true - That’s because it’s not true. Sorry, your long-lost relative didn’t die, leaving you millions. That car you bought online for a third of its Kelly Blue Book value doesn’t really exist. The son of a billionaire diamond broker didn’t “swipe right” on you and fall instantly in love. That work-at-home job paying you hundreds of dollars an hour for stuffing envelopes isn’t real.
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