Residents across Lehigh County are being targeted by scammers impersonating law enforcement officials in a telephone fraud scheme that continues to victimize citizens, according to Sheriff Joseph N. Hanna.
The Lehigh County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of phone calls from individuals claiming to be deputies, detectives or members of the sheriff’s office. The scammers use various confidence schemes to trick residents into providing personal information or money.
Hanna clarified that the sheriff’s office never requests money over the phone for fines, failure to appear for court or jury duty. He urged residents not to share personal biographical information during unsolicited phone calls, including Social Security numbers, credit or debit card information, bank account numbers, balance amounts and other financial details.
Residents should avoid responding to requests for specific locations without first verifying the legitimacy of the call with law enforcement. The sheriff also warned residents to use extreme caution if callers request home addresses or places of residence.
Anyone receiving a suspicious call should verify the caller’s identity before providing any information. Residents can contact the Lehigh County Sheriff’s Office at 610-782-3175 during business hours or the Lehigh County Communications Center at 610-437-5252, available 24 hours a day.