Stafford, VA. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office would like to alert the public to a scam involving individuals who pose as members of law enforcement.

On Monday, April 29, 2019, a resident reported receiving a voicemail from an individual claiming to be a Stafford deputy. The scammer advised the victim that she had two pending charges and needed to purchase gift cards totaling $1000 to pay for the court costs. The victim informed her husband of the voicemail, and he reported his suspicions to the Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the community to be vigilant for scams. Sometimes, caller ID shows the name and phone number of a legitimate police agency. The scammer may even identify themselves as a deputy or police officer who is currently employed at the agency.

Neither the Sheriff’s Office nor any law enforcement agency will ever call asking for money. In addition, please remember that gift cards are for gifts, not payments. Anyone who demands payment by gift card is a scammer.

Those who believe they may be a victim of a scam are asked to immediately report their suspicions to the Sheriff’s Office at (540) 658-4400.