Sheriff issues warning about calls threatening arrest

By NewsPress Now

Citizens are being warned about a scam that threatens them with arrest by the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Bill Puett said callers are using the names of Capt. Mike Hess and Deputy Matt Hufford and saying the victim will be arrested for a failure to appear or contempt of court warrant from Judge Patrick Robb.

The scammers want citizens to go to an “FDIC” website and cash pay or purchase gift cards so they will not be arrested. The FDIC cash paysite is a fake website, Puett said, and he said citizens should not do what the caller asks.

The scammers also threaten victims by saying if they come to the sheriff’s office to verify the information before paying, they will be arrested.