Urgent Alert: Augusta County Residents Targeted by Phone Scammers Posing as Sheriff’s Office Officials

Augusta County, Va. — Residents of Augusta County are being warned about a phone scam involving impersonators posing as sheriff’s deputies. The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) has received multiple reports from concerned citizens reporting suspicious calls from individuals claiming to be Lieutenants or Deputies. The fraudulent calls are being made from restricted numbers, and if recipients do not pick up, the impersonators are leaving voicemails. These messages typically mention a civil summons, jury duty, or some sort of pressing legal issue that requires immediate attention. Among the numbers associated with these scams are 540-445-0998, … Read more

"Lancaster Man Arrested for Posing as Officer to Enforce Fake ‘Dog Laws’"

LANCASTER, Pa. — A 26-year-old man was apprehended for impersonating a police officer and attempting to enforce dog regulations in a local park. Zachary Bernhardt was arrested after he approached two individuals at Lancaster County Central Park on July 23, claiming to be an officer responsible for enforcing park policies regarding dogs. According to police reports, Bernhardt allegedly threatened the victims with citations and fines for supposed violations. One of the victims, suspicious of his claims, asked Bernhardt for his badge number. In response, he provided a random number, raising further doubts about his identity. … Read more

New Sports Park Opens in Springfield, Posing a Hefty Financial Dilemma for Local Brewery Amidst Illinois Liquor Law Constraints

Springfield, Illinois – A new sports park on the horizon in Springfield could potentially cause a significant economic impact on a local brewery due to restrictive state liquor laws. Brent Schwoerer, the owner of Engrained Brewery, faces a challenging decision that might force him to halt beer deliveries to multiple distribution partners in Sangamon County, a move that could cost his business between $50,000 and $70,000 annually. Schwoerer, navigating the complexities of being a small business owner in the competitive brewery industry, emphasizes the desire for a more supportive environment for business growth in Illinois. … Read more

Beware of Fond du Lac Jury Duty Scam: Caller Posing as Sheriff’s Office Demands Fines

Fond du Lac, Wis. – In a disturbing trend emerging out of Fond du Lac County, residents are being targeted by con artists impersonating law enforcement officials to extort money under the guise of missed jury duty penalties. The scam exploits the credibility of the local sheriff’s office, manipulating caller ID systems to make fraudulent calls seem legitimate. Victims of the scam receive calls where the number appears to belong to the sheriff’s office’s non-emergency communication center. During these calls, the impersonator falsely claims that the individual has failed to appear for jury duty and … Read more