Sheriff’s Office Warns Public After Woman Falls Victim To Scam

CLAYTON — A 22-year-old Johnston County woman lost $10,100 last week after falling victim to a phone scam involving a fake arrest warrant, according to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.

The woman told deputies she received a call from someone claiming to be with the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office in Graham, NC. The caller said there was a warrant for her arrest but claimed the charge could be withdrawn if she paid money and did not inform anyone.

Fearing arrest, the woman withdrew a total of $10,100 from two banks. She then used Bitcoin machines to send $3,100 and $7,000 to the caller.

After completing the transactions, the victim realized there was no warrant and that she had been scammed.

The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident. Authorities continue to warn residents that law enforcement agencies do not demand payment over the phone, request cryptocurrency transfers, or instruct individuals to keep matters secret.