Fairfax, Va. — The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office is warning community members about a recent rise in scam phone calls targeting residents. In these cases, callers falsely identify themselves as deputies or other representatives of the Sheriff’s Office. The scammer claims there is a warrant for the person’s arrest and demands payment to resolve the matter.

“These calls are designed to frighten people into acting quickly,” said Sheriff Stacey Kincaid. “No one from the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office will ever call and demand money, gift cards, or electronic payment to clear a warrant. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and report it.”

The Sheriff’s Office reminds residents:

• We will never request payment by phone.
• Do not provide personal or financial information.
• If you are unsure whether a call is legitimate, hang up and call the Sheriff’s Office directly.

Anyone who has received one of these calls or fallen victim to the scam is encouraged to email the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office at SHF-Sheriff@fairfaxcounty.gov.

“The best defense is awareness,” Sheriff Kincaid said. “By sharing information, sharing your stories with family, friends, and neighbors, we can help prevent more people from being victimized.”

For more information about ongoing scams and how to protect yourself, please visit the Fairfax County Scams webpage.