Roanoke, Virginia – The Roanoke County Police Department has issued a warning to the public about a surge in scam calls and emails. These fraudulent communications are causing concern among residents, as scammers are impersonating police officers to exploit unsuspecting individuals.
Scammers contacting people via phone or email under the pretense that they are from the Roanoke County Police Department have increased, according to the police. The scammers assert that the recipient has an outstanding warrant. These deceptive messages are designed to alarm recipients and are typically delivered either through emails or phone calls.
In their advisory, the police department clarified their standard operating procedures, emphasizing that they do not make calls or send emails to request personal information. The department assured that if there is a legitimate warrant, they already possess the necessary information and will serve it in person and without prior notice.
Furthermore, the police highlighted that they do not ask for immediate payment over the phone or through email links. In cases where a warrant does exist, individuals are usually required to appear before a magistrate or judge, and any discussion of payment would occur in that context.
The department advises the public to be vigilant and to hang up immediately upon receiving such calls or emails. For those who are unsure about the legitimacy of such communications, the police encourage contacting them directly at 540-562-3265 to verify. This step is crucial to avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.
This increase in scam attempts impersonating law enforcement officials is a concerning trend, and the Roanoke County Police Department is actively working to raise awareness to protect residents from potential harm. It’s a reminder for everyone to remain cautious and to verify any unexpected or suspicious communications purportedly from law enforcement or other official entities.
