Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Warns Residents of New Twist on Old Scam

Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to be cautious after receiving numerous reports of a scam circulating in the county, with suspicions that it may also be affecting surrounding areas.

The scam follows a familiar pattern, but with a new, alarming twist. According to officials, scammers are posing as members of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office or other local agencies, contacting victims by phone and claiming that there are active warrants for their arrest. The scammers then demand immediate payment of fees, threatening the victims with arrest if they fail to comply. The latest variation of this old scam involves instructing victims to visit the nearest Walmart Money Center. After the victim agrees to pay, the scammer sends a barcode via text or email. When the barcode is scanned at the Walmart Money Center, the money is transferred directly to the scammer's account, making it even more difficult to trace. Authorities are reminding the public that law enforcement agencies will never call to inform you of an active warrant and will never ask for payment through money centers, gift cards, or wire transfers.

If you receive a call like this, officials advise that you contact the agency directly to verify the claims before taking any action. Jefferson County residents and others in the region are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious calls to local authorities.