The Burke County Sheriff’s Office has become aware of multiple scams taking place in our community. One example is people are receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be with Homeland Security with the person receiving the phone call signing for a package that contains drugs and IDs. In another scam, people are receiving phone calls telling them that they have missed Federal Court, and they have a warrant for their arrest, leaving a number to call back asking for money to strike the warrant. The numbers being left to call back are not an 828 area code.
This is a reminder that the Burke County Sheriff’s Office will never ask for money or ask you to pay with gift cards or any other unusual payment method. This is a scam. Do not return the call, and do not send any money. You will never be directed to send money in this manner for missing jury duty or to pay a bond.
If you are suspicious of a caller and the information they are providing you, hang up and call your local law enforcement. Scammers can disguise their phone number using an APP that displays a bogus phone number like the one your local law enforcement agency. These phone calls are almost impossible to trace.
DO NOT FALL VICTIM TO THIS SCAM!