The Stafford County Sheriff's Office would like to alert the community to a scam. We received several reports today from residents who were contacted by a scammer posing as a member of the Stafford Sheriff’s Office. The scammer told the residents that they missed court and were instructed to purchase gift cards to pay the fine.

We would like to remind the community that 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.