MANSFIELD, Ohio — The Richland County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning to residents regarding two scams that are currently targeting the area. Major Jim Sweat issued a letter outlining two potential scams that the public should be aware of.
The first scam involves people posing as Richland County Sheriff’s deputies. These callers inform recipients that they have an active warrant and pressure them to pay a fee to have it dismissed and avoid arrest. The Sheriff’s Office stated that they will never contact individuals directly to request payment for fines or warrants. Residents who receive such a call should contact the Sheriff’s Office at 419-774-5881 for verification.
The second scam, identified by the Richland County Auditor’s Office, entails mailings claiming that an account has been stagnant for an extended period. The mailers warn that funds will be transferred to the State of Ohio unless the account holder confirms. Residents are urged to confirm the legitimacy of these requests before taking any action. This includes not disclosing personal information over the phone or on the internet, and only contacting account holders through verified methods or in person at financial institutions.
The Sheriff’s Office stated that these scams are becoming more common and complex. Residents who believe they have fallen victim to these scams are encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
