On December 12, 2024, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of two individuals who fell victim to scams. One individual received a phone call in which the scammer claimed to be Sheriff Robert Banks Hinceman. The caller informed the victim that they had missed Federal Court and there was a warrant for their arrest. The victim was instructed to purchase Green Dot MoneyPak Cards (a prepaid debit card) for a specific amount to strike the warrant. Another individual received a phone call in which the scammer claimed the victim had compromising content on their electronic device.
The Sheriff’s Office has received previous reports in which the caller used various names of officers employed at the Burke County Sheriff’s Office. Do not engage with these callers, and never send money to someone who demands immediate payment. This is always a sign of a scam. T
HIS 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.
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 numbers using an APP that displays a bogus phone number like the one your local law enforcement agency utilizes. These phone calls are almost impossible to trace.
Scams take place all year round, especially during the holiday season. Don’t fall victim to scammers who try to take advantage of you and steal your holiday cheer. If you are suspicious of a call like this, hang up and call the Burke County Sheriff’s Office at 828-438-5500 to verify the information. DO NOT FALL VICTIM TO THIS SCAM!