Scam Targets Worcester County Residents, Sheriff's Office Warns

WORCESTER COUNTY, MA — The Worcester County Sheriff's Office is warning residents of a scam.

The Sheriff's Office said it has received multiple reports of scammers using its name and phone number to target residents, in a news release on Wednesday. The scammers claim to be employees telling residents there is an arrest warrant, missed jury duty or another legal issue, and that money is needed to "avoid arrest."

The caller may ask for payment in gift cards, wire transfers, or unusual methods, keep the victim on the phone while making the purchase, and request the codes or financial information from the cards.

The Sheriff's Office said it would never call to demand payment, fines or personal information. It is now warning residents to protect themselves by not providing personal or financial information to unsolicited callers, hanging up immedioately and reporting suspicious calls to the local police department.

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