MANSFIELD, Ohio – Citizens in Richland County began receiving calls today asking them to pay a $900 fine for missing a Grand Jury Subpoena date or go to jail.
According to a press release from the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, the caller identifies himself as a Sheriff’s Deputy of the warrant division of the Richland County Sheriff’s Office. If the citizen allows the call to go to their voicemail or answering machine, the citizen is advised to call back immediately at 419-405-6900.
Citizens are calling the number back and the person that answers the phone identifies himself as Deputy Brian Davis.
The fake deputy continues the scam by telling the citizen that they or a member in their family missed a Grand Jury subpoena and they need to take care of the problem.
The fake deputy then tells the citizen that the problem could be handled in two ways, either the one who missed appearing for the subpoena turns themselves into the Richland County Jail for a 24 hour hold or pay a $900 fine.
The fine is to be paid by MoneyGram. The fake deputy might also suggest meeting with the citizen to collect the money. Citizens are also being told not to drop the money off at the Sheriff’s Office.
If the citizen calls the number provided, a machine answers as the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and gives the caller options. Warrants Division press 1, Traffic press 2, Fines and Payments press 3 and to speak to a deputy, press 4.
The Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate the scam.
Always question callers who ask for money and provide a story that encourages you to send the money immediately. Other suggestions are: 1) Know who you are dealing with; 2) Don’t send money to someone you don’t know.