Hanover County warns of scammers impersonating the sheriff, demanding payments over the phone

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — If you received a call from Hanover County Sheriff David R. Hines over the past weeks demanding money, no, you didn't.

The Hanover County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, Dec. 17, took to social media to warn residents of scammers impersonating the sheriff and requesting payment over the phone.

Per the announcement, officials have received reports of residents getting scam calls claiming there is a legal issue involving them. These include the recipient being wanted, missing jury duty or failing to appear in court.

The scammers then demand payment over the phone to resolve the issue.

Officials said the sheriff's office and Hines personally would never call residents to request money or threaten arrest to resolve a legal matter. They also warned residents of some other tactics scammers may use, including:

• Use the sheriff's name or other deputies' names or titles
• Sound urgent or intimidating
• Instruct you to pay using gift cards, prepaid cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency
• Spoof phone numbers to appear as though the call is coming from the sheriff's office

If you receive one of these calls, officials said to follow these steps:

• Hang up immediately
• Do not provide personal or financial information
• Do not send money
• Contact the Hanover County Sheriff's Office directly using the non-emergency number at 804-365-6110 if you are concerned or want to verify information