County residents may get a call from someone seeking donations and claiming to be from the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office, but the caller is a swindler according to the sheriff’s office.
In a media release issued Wednesday, Sheriff Mike Lowell warns residents about a scam involving callers seeking donations from county residents, typically seniors.
“These calls are bogus; no one from the sheriff’s office is making calls to solicit funds, and never will,” Lowell said in the release.
Reports to the sheriff’s office indicate callers, both male and female, seek donations of $150 to go towards the benefit of law enforcement. The caller then begins seeking lower amounts if the target says they cannot afford the initial $150, going as low as a $20 donation. After agreeing upon the amount, the caller then requests credit card information.
“The credit card information is, of course, is what the callers have been after all along,” Lowell said.
Deputies investigating the calls have found the source to be an organization which has previously involved itself in shady fundraising schemes all over the country, especially in New York state and New York City.
Officials emphasize residents should never provide such a caller with any personal or financial information.
“If you get a call asking for donations from anyone claiming to be from the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office, just hang up because it’s not us,” Lowell said.
Reader Comments(0)