Scammers are once again using the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office to try and bilk residents out of money due to fictitious warrants.
However, scammers’ new modus operandi directs victims to drive to the Sheriff’s Office, which may lead victims to believe the ruse.
A potential victim received a voicemail earlier this week from a scammer claiming to be “Lieutenant Scott Iacoboni with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office” who was contacting the man due to “a federal summons as a result of missing jury duty.”
The phony lieutenant then asked the man to contact him at (775) 391-5148.
The potential victim called that number – and the fake lieutenant told him that the jury duty summons had been signed upon delivery. The suspect then directed the victim to drive to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. The victim was told to put nearly $1,000 into a lobby kiosk and sign an affidavit on the screen. If that signature “did not match the signature on the summons” then the victim would receive a refund via certified check. If the victim did not, or could not, settle the fine immediately a warrant would be issued for his arrest.
Upon arriving at the Sheriff’s Office, the victim asked to speak with Lieutenant Iacoboni, and the real lieutenant was able to confirm the deceit.
What is unusual about this hoax is the inclusion of the kiosk. The kiosks are used solely to provide funds to inmates of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility. Since the victim did not actually deposit money in the kiosk, no inmate benefitted from this particular incident.
This new technique may be an indicator of increased public awareness of prior warrant scams where payment was requested through “eGift” cash cards, pre-paid credit cards, or similar payment to a specified account or name given by the caller.
Although the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office will sometimes make calls to inform someone about a warrant, the Office will not ask for payment over the phone or negotiate for payment in lieu of arrest. Anyone with questions about a warrant may call the courts and local law enforcement agencies.
These scammers can be difficult to locate because they often use internet-based call platforms or pre-paid phones.
The public can help prevent these crimes by helping to make as many people aware of their existence as possible. Please help spread the word.
Anyone who has suffered a loss as a result of a scam is encouraged to contact the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Division at (775) 328-3320. Additionally, if you have received a call from anyone identifying themselves as an employee of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and you wish to verify the identity of the caller please call (775) 328-3002.
