AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a recent wave of phone scams targeting the community.

The scam reportedly involves the caller impersonating an employee of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, demanding payment for various things such as electronic monitoring and detention release. These callers are said to be spoofing the official RCSO phone number, 706-821-1000.

One recent caller posed as ‘Sgt. John Lewis’ and demanded $300 for a leg monitor, before asking for even more money and telling the victim to pay via a bar code at a retail store.

It’s important for residents to remember that the Sheriff’s Office will never demand payment over the phone. If you have suspicions about the phone call you’re receiving, hang up immediately and call the Sheriff’s Office.

And avoid providing payments or personal information to individuals you don’t know. This is especially true when you’re asked to do so through gift cards, bar codes, wire transfers, or other non-traditional methods.

If you have any questions about this scam, call the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1000