Cass County Sheriff's Office Warns Residents About a Sneaky New Scam—Here’s How to Avoid It

Scammers are back at it again in Cass County, this time using a clever new trick to deceive unsuspecting victims. The Cass County Sheriff's Office is urging residents to stay vigilant after reports of a sophisticated phone scam targeting locals.

How the Scam Works

According to authorities, fraudsters are posing as law enforcement officers and using caller ID spoofing to make their calls appear legitimate. Here’s their playbook:

• Fake Urgency: The scammer claims the victim has missed a court date or jury duty and must pay a fine immediately to avoid arrest.
• Demand for Payment: They insist the fine must be paid via wire transfer, prepaid gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
• Threats: Victims are told they will face arrest, driver’s license suspension, or other legal consequences if they don’t comply.

Red Flags to Watch For

Law enforcement will never:

1. Call demanding immediate payment.
2. Ask for payments via unconventional methods like gift cards or Bitcoin.
3. Threaten immediate arrest over the phone for unpaid fines.

What You Should Do

If you receive a suspicious call:

• Hang up immediately.
• Verify the call. Contact the Cass County Sheriff’s Office directly using publicly listed numbers.
• Report it. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local authorities.

What Do You Think?

• Have you or someone you know been targeted by this scam?
• Should phone carriers be held legally responsible for allowing spoofed calls?
• Would stricter penalties for scammers actually deter these crimes?
• Is law enforcement doing enough to protect the public from fraud?
• Would you support a ban on all unsolicited calls to cut down on scams?