Pender Co. Sheriff’s Office investigating fraud; warn of scam

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Pender County Sheriff’s Office want to you know about a scam they are currently investigating that left a person out hundreds of dollars.

Deputies say they are investigating a fraud where the victim was contacted by phone and told that the caller was a law enforcement officer in a neighboring county. The caller told the victim that the victim’s wife had warrants and the victim needed to pay $1,000 bail. The caller provided a number that appeared to be a legitimate office within the New Hanover County court system. The victim in this case paid the bail using prepaid credit cards as instructed by the caller.

The Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the public that there are occasions when a legitimate law enforcement official may contact someone regarding the service of a warrant or legal process, however, they do not ask for payment using prepaid credit cards. Any fines, fees or moneys owed as a result of a civil judgment or criminal action will typically be paid in person at one of three locations: Magistrates Office, Clerk of Court offices, or at the Sheriff’s Office. Anyone who is contacted and advised that they are a party to a civil or criminal action can contact the Clerk of Court or the Sheriff’s Office for confirmation.

If you find yourself a target of one of these scams, please contact your local law enforcement agency before sending money to anyone that you do not know.