Not even the holidays can keep scammers from trying to intimidate people and steal their money. In fact, on Thursday, the Toombs County Sheriff’s Office noted that would-be thieves are burning up the telephone lines preying on citizens with lies and threats.

According to Sheriff Alvie Kight, Jr., Office, officers have been made aware that a person or persons is calling pretending to be a deputy with the Sheriff’s office. These scammers are so determined in their attempts to steal your money that they have even spoofed the actual number of the Sheriff’s Office, making look as if the call is legitimately being placed from the local law enforcement office.

In the attempts to con the citizens, the scammer may use the same excuses they have used in the past such as you have missed jury duty, a court date, or paying a fine. They also state that your “immediate action is required.”

This scam certainly isn’t new but seems to once again be on the rise. The Toombs County Sheriff’s Office reminds you that law enforcement will not call you by phone to reference any of these allegations. In addition, law enforcement will never request payment of any kind over the telephone.

If you get such a call, do not give any information to the caller, hang up, and notify actual law enforcement.