Scam warning from law enforcement

CEDAR COUNTY, Mo. — Some folks across Ozarks have been receiving calls that appear to be from law enforcement agencies, saying the caller has multiple warrants out for their arrest and can take care of it at the right price, but it's a scam.

Jessica Campbell had just woken up when her home phone rang Wednesday morning. After Campbell picked up the phone, she quickly realized the “sergeant” was actually a scammer. 

“I listened to him for probably about 30 seconds before I knew immediately it was it was not legitimate,” Campbell said. “Was not expecting a phone call at all, especially on the home phone. If the home phone rings, I know it's really nothing I need to pay attention to.”

The voice on the other end of the line identified himself as “Sergeant James Williams” and informed her of some legal troubles. 

“He said, ‘I have your signature here on the paper that you were supposed to have been in court yesterday and that you did not show up,” Campbell said “‘So, when the bailiff didn't call your name, the judge issued a bench warrant for your arrest’.”

While Campbell knew the call was illegitimate, she says that voice is convincing if you aren’t paying close attention. 

“He was talking in terms that you would expect somebody in law enforcement to use a lot. He didn't stumble. It didn't sound like there was a script. He didn't even have a foreign accent,” Campbell said. “So, it sounded like he could have actually been a part of a police force.“

In November, the Stockton Police Department made a Facebook post, warning people of the scam returning to the area.

“We’ve had some scam calls going around, people claiming that they're ranked officials with law enforcement agencies in the area and they're not,” Sergeant Justin Daniels said. “They're giving a false name. A lot of them claim that they're a sergeant with either the police department or the sheriff's office, which obviously isn't the case”

Sergeant Daniels says scammers find phone numbers and personal information online but there is a way to try to prevent these calls. 

“There is a lot of websites out there that sell your data online,” Danis said. “If you find yourself on those websites, try to get a hold of them and get your information removed off that,” said Daniels. 

Local departments say officers will never call and demand personal information or threaten you with a warrant. Adding, if you receive one of these calls to simply hang up and report it to law enforcement