Wake County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam where callers impersonating law enforcement officers within the agency.
Sgt. Wallace O’Neal told WRAL News the sheriff’s office is investigating three cases "but have had numerous cases in the last several months."
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One viewer who reportedly received one of these calls shared with WRAL said the scammer said there was a warrant out for his arrest for missing jury duty.
Two other people posted on the neighborhood website Nextdoor shared similar experiences, asking for money or risk being arrested.
“We will never ask for money, gift cards, anything like that over the telephone,” Sgt. O’Neal shared.
It's also not the first time someone has pretended to be law enforcement to ask for money. In January, Fayetteville police officers warned of a scam involving people using real officers names and various ranks to extract money or gift cards by warning of supposed legal issues.
Some scammers go to elaborate efforts. In March, a woman said a person claiming to be a member of a drug cartel threatened to dismember her if she didn't send the person money.
Investigators add scammers manipulate caller ID and use the name of legitimate law enforcement officers, making these calls sound convincing.
“You can always hang up and call the agency and see if that person is actually employed by that agency,” Sgt. O’Neal shared as tip for anyone on the receiving end of these calls.
No victims reported having any money taken from the scammers, according to the sheriff's office.