Fayetteville police warn of scam phone calls asking for money

Fayetteville police are warning citizens of scam phone calls and voicemails asking for payment to avoid legal action.

According to police, officers have received multiple reports of citizens getting voicemails similar to this:

"This is Sgt. _____ with the Fayetteville Police Department. I’m looking to make contact with one (Mr./Mrs. _____). I’ve got some confidential legal matters that need your immediate attention. Just give us a call back at 910-***-****, thank you.”

When the citizen calls the number back the scam artist has set up his or her voicemail to say,

“This is Sgt. _____ with the Fayetteville Police Department, now if this an emergency hang up and dial 911, if not leave your name, and number and a brief message and I will be back with you, thank you."

Once callers reach the scammer, he or she will persuade callers to provide some sort of monetary compensation or gift cards, instead of legal consequences.

The Fayetteville Police Department reminds citizens of the following: 

1. The Fayetteville Police Department nor any other law enforcement agency will ask you for money to avoid legal consequences or imprisonment.

2. Scammers often change employees' names, ranks, and phone numbers to perpetuate this scheme.

3. If you question the validity of a phone call, please call the Fayetteville Police Department front desk directly at 910-433-1530 and ask them to get you in contact with the person in question.

4. Share this information to help others avoid being victimized by it.

In July, the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office advised citizens of a similar phone scam, warning that people were receiving phone calls from callers impersonating law enforcement officers claiming to be "Sergeant Hamlett." The number calling citizens was 910-479-5277.