Within the past weeks, the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office (SRSO) had a dramatic increase in calls to our Dispatch Center with reports of a telephone fraud involving the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. SRSO Public Information Officer Rich Aloy said during these calls the caller states they are with the Santa Rosa County Police Department or the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. Aloy said the caller then states the agency has an active warrant for their arrest. The caller is described as “very convincing” and “confident” during the conversation. Aloy said the caller then states there is an active warrant and they can pay an amount over the telephone. When challenged, the caller usually hangs up or become very rude, often cursing and making obscene comments over the phone.
Aloy said those who are receiving these calls should know these calls are not coming from the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. These are considered telephone scams. If anyone receives a call from these individuals, Aloy said to not make any payments over the phone.
“The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office does not make solicitation telephone calls for warrants. The only communications we provide to suspects with warrants are post card type mailers. We are currently investigating these calls. If you have any questions related to a warrant or any other possible scam, please contact our agency at 983-1100,” said Aloy.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: SRSO warns of latest telephone scam