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, 540-445-0992, and 540-445-0994. ACSO confirmed that these phone numbers are not connected to the sheriff’s office. Officials are urging the public not to return calls to these numbers, regardless of the voicemail content, as the callers often attempt to extort money in the form of gift cards or cryptocurrency.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant, especially when presented with aggressive solicitations. ACSO emphasized that no legitimate official would ever ask for payment through gift cards or any form of currency in association with potential warrants or arrests.
Community members are encouraged to inform family and friends—especially elderly relatives—about this scam and other similar schemes. Awareness and education can be key defenses against such fraudulent activities.
For those unsure about the legitimacy of a call, ACSO has advised contacting their office directly at 540-245-5333 to verify any claims.
This warning serves as a critical reminder of the need to approach unsolicited communications with skepticism. Scammers often use fear tactics to coerce individuals into providing personal information or financial assistance.
In light of these events, local authorities continue to remind citizens to exercise caution when receiving unexpected calls and to safeguard their personal information.
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