New Kent Sheriff’s Office warns of phone scam impersonating deputy, demanding money

NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The New Kent County Sheriff's Office is warning the community of a phone scam that is impersonating a deputy and demanding money from people to avoid their arrest.

On Tuesday, July 22, the New Kent County Sheriff's Office published an alert on its Facebook about an ongoing phone scam where people are impersonating deputies from the sheriff's office.

According to officials, the scammers are calling residents, claiming that they have an active warrant or missed jury duty and must pay a fine or fee immediately -- often through gift cards, payment apps or wire transfers -- to avoid arrest.

The New Kent Sheriff's Office said this is a scam and is reminding residents that the office will never call to demand money, ask for payment over the phone, or request gift cards or other "untraceable" payment methods.

Anyone who receives these calls should do the following, according to the sheriff's office:

• Hang up immediately
• Do not provide personal or financial information
• Call the New Kent Sheriff's Office at 804-966-9500 to report the incident