OCT 8 MEDIA RELEASE__The Allen County Sheriff’s Office has received several reports today regarding fraudulent phone calls targeting local residents.

In these scams, the caller claims that the person answering has an active warrant for their arrest. The scammer then insists that the only way to avoid arrest is by sending a wire transfer (or other form of payment).

The Allen County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the public of the following:

• The Sheriff’s Office will never call you to inform you of a warrant.
• All warrants are served in person, never over the phone.
• Anyone with a warrant must be booked into the jail, even if a bond is available.
• All bonds are paid in cash, in person, never by wire transfer, Bitcoin, or gift cards.

Residents are also urged not to provide personal or financial information over the phone, especially to unknown or unverified callers.

Sheriff Treglia advises, “If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately and contact our office directly. Do not send money or share any personal details.”

Please share this information with your friends and family to help prevent further scams.

For questions or to report a suspected scam, contact the Allen County Sheriff’s Office at 419-227-3535.