The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is reporting a SCAM that several Stafford County residents experienced over the weekend in which the scammer used the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office name.

Over this past weekend 5 different citizens in Stafford County received calls from a “Lt. Paul Stevens from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office – Warrant Division” informing the citizens that there was a bench warrant out for their arrest for failing to report for jury duty. The caller went on to tell the citizens that they could avoid arrest if they agreed to pay money. The money would be in the area of $230.00 for the failing to appear charge and approximately $200.00 for court fees. At this point the “Lt. Stevens” told the potential victims that they could go to a local CVS store, get a money order and then he would give them an account number where the money could be sent. When several of the citizens volunteered to come to the Sheriff’s Office to discuss the situation, the fictitious “Lt. Stevens” refused and told the citizens to send the money to him instead. Realizing that they were involved in a SCAM the 5 citizens notified the Sheriff’s Office and a deputy responded to their residence to take a report.

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office does not have a “Lt. Paul Stevens” employed at the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office has never and will never request funds be sent to the Sheriff’s Office or to any deputy or command staff member for any reason. Any other individual living in Stafford County who has experienced this SCAM is asked to contact the Stafford County Sheriff’s office at 540-658-4400.