The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office reports an increase in scam phone calls from people impersonating Sheriff’s Office personnel, according to a Wednesday press release.

What to do: Scammers are trying to get potential victims to pay them, saying there are fines due for missing a court date or in order to get out of a warrant, according to the sheriff’s office.

• It is recommended that you get the name, title and return number for the person claiming to be with the agency. Then, call (913) 715-5400 and ask to speak to that person.

What not to do: Do not give personal information to anyone who claims to be with the Sheriff’s Office via phone.

• Do not transfer money from your bank account because someone over the internet or phone tells you to.
• Do not pay someone via bank transfer, gift card or any other way via phone.

Other tips: Deputies do call people about warrants from time to time, but actual deputies will never ask for a payment, according to the release.

• If you’ve lost money because of a scam, file a complaint on the FBI’s internet crime complaint center here. The release states this is time-sensitive.
• The Sheriff’s Office encourages people to remain skeptical, because “anyone can be targeted.”

Key quote: “If you receive a call from anyone claiming to be with the Sheriff’s Office who says there is a warrant out for your arrest and is asking for direct payment, this is a red flag,” the press release reads.