There is no shortage of someone attempting to take your money.
Two different scams have been reported this week in Johnston County and authorities want you to know they are fraudulent.
Sweepstakes Scam
In the first scam, an individual has been calling homes saying you had won $2.5 million in a sweepstakes and by responding immediately you will also receive a free 2018 Mercedes. The caller, who speaks broken English, wants you send in taxes on the prize winnings before they can release the money and deliver your new car.
An 82 year-old Kenly man said he received one of the phone calls this week. Fortunately he didn’t fall victim to the scam. Authorities said the suspects often spoof the Caller ID on your telephone. In one of the calls, the individual appeared to be dialing from a 919-284-xxxx Kenly phone number.
Jury Duty Warrant Scam
Another scam that has been around for several years resurfaced this week.
Someone has been calling people in Johnston County this week claiming they are Lt. Clifton with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and there is a warrant for their arrest for failing to appear for a jury duty summons.
The caller states you must pay money immediately or a deputy will come to your home or business and arrest you later that day.
Sheriff’s Captain Jeff Caldwell said there is a Lt. Clifton with the department. Whether his name is being used on purpose or by coincidence isn’t known. What is known is that this is a scam.
“The Sheriff’s Office will never ask for money for a criminal charge to be dropped,” Captain Caldwell explains. “Never give anyone money over the phone, especially if they ask for payment in gift cards or Western Union. It is an absolute scam.”
The callers sound authoritative and convincing.
A similar scam using the department’s name happened in October 2017. This is the 5th time since 2015 the local sheriff’s office name has been used in a telephone scam.
