John Willoughby
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Jefferson County Sheriff Mac McNeill would like to warn Jefferson County citizens of a scam that has occurred in Madison County and could possibly occur in Jefferson County, as well.
According to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), a fake MCSO representative called a Madison County business owner and identified himself as “Deputy Thomas.” The victim was informed by the subject that an employee of her business had been arrested and needed $2,000 bail money, which was to be paid in Green Dot Cards. He also stated that the employee had asked the “officer” to call (the business owner) to bail (the employee) out of jail. He even knew personal details of that employee.
When the business owner became suspicious, thinking it might be a scam, “Deputy Thomas” then revealed information pertaining to her driving record, including speeding ticket dates and began talking about very familiar things about her business (that would make her believe he frequented it often). The victim could even hear a police scanner in the background.
“Deputy Thomas” then told the victim the bond had to be paid in Green Dot Cards and that she would need to purchase two $500 Green Dot Cards from two different store locations for a total of $2,000. "Deputy Thomas" remained on the phone with the victim while the cards were purchased.
The scammer then informed the victim to "read the numbers off the cards so scammers couldn't get the numbers," and after the card numbers were read to "Deputy Thomas," the victim was told they would hear from the alleged arrestee in four to six hours.
Sheriff McNeill is encouraging residents to validate claims with local law enforcement before payment is ever sent to anyone and to always remember that law enforcement agencies do not seek bond payments for any arrestee.
"Much like other official business or government agencies like the IRS or Social Security Office, we do not seek payments or personal information over a telephone," said Sheriff McNeill. "Most importantly, there is nothing legitimate about a request of payment to be made utilizing Green Dot Cards."
He added that the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office always encourages citizens not to reveal personal information and/or make payments to anyone without consulting with local law enforcement officials in an attempt to ensure the validity of the request or claim.
If you suspect you have been scammed, you're encouraged to call the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office at (850) 997-2523 or the Monticello Police Department at (850) 342-0150.