Northwest Arkansas law enforcement agencies warn residents of multiple scams
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The Washington County Sheriff's Office, Madison County Sheriff's Office and Gentry Police Department warn residents of multiple scams.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office says it has received reports of a scammer who contacts a relative of a detainee in the Washington County Detention Center and tells them they are Deputy Kitchens with the WCSO. The scammer says the jail is overcrowded and for a monetary fee, the family member can get the detainee out of jail and given an ankle monitor. The scammer spoofs the caller ID to make it appear that the call is from the sheriff's office.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office and the Madison County Sheriff's Office both say they have received reports of a scammer who calls and tells residents they are a deputy with one of the sheriff's offices, and tells the resident they missed jury duty and now there's a warrant for their arrest. The scammer tries to get the resident to pay their 'bond' over the phone.
The Madison County Sheriff's Office says it will not use scare tactics to entice people to do something. It says if you are in doubt, take notes on the conversation and contact your local law enforcement agency at their known business phone number and not the one given by the caller to verify the validity of the call.
The Gravett Police Department says it has received reports of a scam involving door hangers left at residents' homes. If the resident calls the number, they are prompted to give their Social Security number and other identifying information. The police department says not to give your information to unknown entities and to report anything suspicious.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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