Wayne County - The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office advises anyone who receives a call threatening them with arrest if they don’t pay up to “Hang Up!” That’s according to Undersheriff Mike Jaafar.

Recently callers have been badgering worried citizens with someone claiming to be a WCSO Lieutenant or some other Officer, threatening to arrest them for some alleged violation. They’re told to buy a Green Dot or other type of pre-paid card and phone in the money immediately or risk immediate arrest.

“Unfortunately, we see a lot of scams like this throughout the year where suspects scare innocent victims into turning over money to avoid arrest,” said Undersheriff Jaafar. “It’s a ruse that we want to warn people about so that if it happens to them, they won’t fall for it.”

In January, the WCSO had to send out a similar warning ahead of the impending tax season. Jaafar wants the community to be on alert since it’s estimated at least 1 in 6 people fall victim to such acts annually. As for this particular scam, citizens should know:

· You will never be called by an officer threatening arrest for any type of violation unless you pay something.

· Never give money over the phone to anyone you do not personally know.

· Call the police if you continue to receive harassing phone calls of this nature.

“When in doubt, get the caller’s information and write down the incoming number on your phone in case you do have to report it to police. But I can assure you, no one from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office is going to be calling you demanding cash,” said Jaafar.