Sheriff’s department warning of phone scam

Officials from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department wish to remind the public about a phone scam local residents have recently reported.

Deputies said scammers create a fake name and phone number that make it appear they are calling from a local police department, sheriff’s office or other law-enforcement agency.

The scammer will indicate to the person answering there is a warrant out for their arrest, but will offer an option of paying a fine in order to avoid criminal charges.

Law-enforcement officials do not conduct investigations in such a manner and, specifically, will never ask for payment over the phone. Furthermore, they will never indicate details of an arrest warrant over the phone.