CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. () – The Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) is currently investigating warrant scams totalling almost $50,000.

CCPD is asking residents to be alert to these scams and to report them as soon as possible.

According to victim reports made to CCPD, victims received a call saying there was a warrant for their arrest, and were then instructed on how to make a payment to clear the warrant and avoid being taken into custody.

In multiple instances, scammers posed as a Chatham County Sheriff’s Office officer or as a bond agency working with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.

It is important for everyone to remember that no member of any law enforcement agency will ever contact you and demand payment for anything.

Here are some tips to remember:

• Scammers work by using scare tactics and a sense of urgency. If someone contacts you and demands urgent payment in order to avoid jail – or another severe consequence – realize that you are being scammed.
• Hang up immediately.
• If you are not sure if you’re dealing with a scammer, hang up. Then, look up the legitimate number of the law enforcement department that contacted you and seek assistance. DO NOT call back the number that the scammer called you from.
• Law enforcement will never contact you and demand any type of payment.
• Demand for payments that must be made by Bitcoin, Apple Pay, and gift cards are scams. Demands for payments to be made through various money transfer apps (like Zelle, Vimeo, CashApp) are also red flags.

Anyone with additional information about this scam or potential victims is asked to contact CCPD. Anonymous tips can be sent through the Chatham County Police Department app, or the Department’s online tip form. 

You can also call Crime Stoppers at 912-234-2020, where tipsters are anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.