Sheriff’s department warns of telephone scam

St. Joseph County Sheriff Chad Spence is warning residents about a phone scam targeting people throughout the county.

Spence said the office has received reports of would-be victims receiving calls from someone claiming to be a deputy with the sheriff’s department. He said the caller identifies themselves as “Deputy Tate” and is calling from 269-294-0764. The caller tells victims they have missed a court appearance or have a subpoena and must take immediate action.

The caller’s goal is to create fear and pressure victims into providing personal information or sending money.

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office does not call people demanding payment to avoid arrest, nor does it ask for gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or other forms of immediate payment.

Residents should also be aware that scammers can spoof phone numbers, making it appear as though a call is coming from a legitimate source. Even if the caller ID displays a sheriff’s department name or local phone number, it does not mean the call is genuine, Spence said.