LANCASTER, PA — Residents of Lancaster County are being alerted to a phone scam where the caller poses as a Lancaster County Deputy Sheriff and demands payments, according to a statement from the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office. The scam has already led to significant financial losses, with reported cases involving thefts of $10,000 and $5,000.
In the course of the scam, the caller claims that the victim missed a court date with Judge Miller and must post bail or pay a fine to avoid jail time. The scammer is using a duplicated phone number belonging to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office – 717-299-8200. As a result, if victims hang up and call back, they reach the actual Sheriff’s Office.
The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office wants to make it clear that they never demand payment over the phone for warrants or missed court dates, nor do they ask for money in any form over the phone.
These incidents are currently under investigation by local authorities. If you receive such a call, you are advised not to provide any information or payment, but to contact the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office at 717-299-8200 or your local police department.
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