Scammers Have Recently Intensified Their Efforts in Ashland and Richland Counties
Joe Lyons •
March 1, 2024
Scammers have recently intensified their efforts in Ashland and Richland Counties, prompting the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office to issue a SCAM ALERT.
Reports have surfaced indicating that individuals are calling residents in the Ashland area, impersonating various members of the Sheriff’s Office. One of the callback numbers provided was 419-558-6546, which is not associated with the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office. The recorded message delivered through this number is not from any legitimate source within the ACSO.
These scammers possess alarming capabilities to gather personal information, enabling them to craft convincing narratives. It’s crucial not to rely solely on caller ID, as it can be easily manipulated. Moreover, scammers may exploit the identities of current or former deputies and officers, making their calls appear genuine. These deceptive tactics aim to unsettle recipients, making them more susceptible to compliance with fraudulent demands.
It is imperative to remain vigilant and remember the following: Phone Scams
Genuine deputies or officers will never threaten immediate arrest unless fines are paid.
Legitimate law enforcement personnel will never request payment via prepaid money cards or gift cards.
Warrants will never be resolved over the phone in exchange for payment.
To safeguard against such scams, refrain from disclosing any personal information to the caller, including financial details. Refuse to comply with their demands and promptly terminate the call.
For comprehensive information on recognizing and combating phone scams, visit the provided link.
Captain Donald Sims of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes the prevalence of scams in the community, resulting in financial losses and emotional distress for citizens. Recognizing the warning signs is crucial; demands for payment in gift cards or immediate transactions should raise suspicion. Legitimate government agencies do not engage in such practices and do not solicit payments over the phone.
Common phone scams to be wary of include spoofing, blackmail, tax scams, false arrest warrants, social security scams, and more. To protect yourself:
Strengthen privacy settings on social media platforms.
Never share sensitive information like debit card PINs.
Avoid carrying your Social Security card.
Exercise caution with peer-to-peer payment apps like CashApp and Venmo.
Trust your instincts; if something feels off, it probably is.
Furthermore, refrain from withdrawing large sums of money without verifying the legitimacy of the request. Face-to-face transactions are advised when in doubt, and individuals are encouraged to visit the Sheriff’s Office or other local authorities for assistance.
The Mansfield Division of Police issued a similar warning, cautioning residents about potential telephone scams involving impersonation of law enforcement officers. Residents have reported receiving calls demanding payment for fines, under threat of arrest. The Mansfield Police Department stresses that they never solicit fine payments via phone calls. Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity to the Division’s non-emergency line and cooperate with ongoing investigations.
Together, let’s remain vigilant and united against scammers, ensuring the safety and security of our communities.