READING, Pa. – Berks County authorities are elevating the alarm a couple of rising scam focusing on native residents.
The newest warning got here immediately from District Lawyer John Adams, who took to Fb to elucidate how scammers are impersonating sheriff’s deputies, utilizing actual names of legislation enforcement personnel, to strain victims into sending funds by way of Bitcoin or different cryptocurrency.
“We now have seen an uptick in scams which can be occurring, and they’re affecting our neighborhood,” Adams informed 69 News.
The scam sometimes begins with a telephone name claiming the recipient missed jury obligation or a court docket look. The caller then threatens arrest except the individual sends cash electronically, normally in the shape of cryptocurrency.
“And usually, they’re asking that this fee happen in cryptocurrency, which ought to arrange a right away response that it is a scam,” Adams stated.
To indicate how the scam works, Adams even dialed one of the suspicious numbers throughout our interview. The voicemail claimed to be from a “Sergeant Eric Heckman with the Quotation Division” — an actual identify, however a faux voice and setup.
“The Sheriff’s Workplace won’t ever ask for funds over the telephone,” Adams confused. “We’re attempting to get the phrase out. It does not matter in the event that they use an precise individual’s identify, it is nonetheless a scam.”
This kind of scam isn’t distinctive to Berks County. Comparable stories have been made throughout the nation, usually focusing on the aged or susceptible populations. Adams says a number of individuals in Berks have already fallen sufferer, paying in Bitcoin after being frightened by the menace of arrest.
His message to the general public is straightforward: “When you occur to choose up the telephone, you inform them this can be a scam and hold up.”
When you’ve obtained a suspicious name like this, officers urge you to report it to your native police division or the Berks County District Lawyer’s Workplace.
