SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Davis County Sheriff’s Office warns residents of a new wave of scams Where scammers impersonate local law enforcement.

Many community members have reported receiving threatening phone calls in recent days from scammers using the real names of Davis County deputies and lieutenants to appear legitimate.

“I actually received a personal phone call today that used threatening language,” said Stephanie Dinsmore with the Davis County Sheriff’s Office. “Even in my job in law enforcement, I think, ‘Oh my God, how quickly these people can get inside you.'”

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Scammers often claim that victims have missed jury duty or have unpaid leave. Some calls even mention federal gag orders. According to authorities, these tactics are designed to create panic and force people to pay quickly.

Unfortunately, some residents have already fallen victim to these plans.

“If they’re asking you for Bitcoin, if they’re asking you to wire money, that’s not how any law enforcement agency in the country operates,” Dinsmore said.

The Sheriff’s Office advises anyone receiving suspicious calls to:

• Hang up immediately
• Call the sheriff’s office front desk directly to verify any claims
• Be wary of requests for payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency

To combat these scams, the ministry has placed warning signs on cryptocurrency machines at local convenience stores to help prevent residents from falling victim.

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