Sheriff David Doughty encourages residents to be vigilant against scammers

As the holiday season approaches, Northampton County Sheriff David Doughty is urging residents to remain vigilant against scams targeting the community. The Sheriff’s Office has recently received reports of individuals receiving phone calls from scammers claiming that they would be arrested unless they paid a fee immediately. In some cases, callers have posed as law enforcement officers or deputies, falsely stating that the victim had missed jury duty and would be jailed unless payment was made.

Sheriff Doughty emphasizes the importance of verifying the identity of anyone claiming to be a law enforcement officer. “If you are unsure who you are speaking with, hang up and call the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office directly at 757-678-0458,” said Sheriff Doughty. “Our deputies encourage you to verify who you are speaking with. Our dispatchers are available 24/7 and would be happy to assist you.” Likewise, Accomack County residents should call the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office at (757) 787-1131.

In these types of scams, the callers often demand immediate payment via wire transfer, money orders, gift cards, reloadable cards, or even cryptocurrency. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammers may already know personal details about their targets, including their name, address, or other information obtained through social media, hacking, or simple guesswork. These details make the scam more convincing.

Sheriff Doughty also advises residents to be cautious when interacting with individuals claiming to be law enforcement officers in person. “If you are concerned that a person in front of you is who they say they are, ask to see their identification and then call the employer to confirm their identity,” he recommended. “No law enforcement officer is going to contact you by phone to collect money for fines. It’s a scam.”

Scammers often use high-pressure tactics, telling victims that an emergency requires immediate action. They may pose as authority figures such as lawyers, doctors, or police officers to appear more legitimate. They will also emphasize the urgency of the situation, trying to prevent victims from consulting family or friends. “Scammers are counting on you to act quickly without verifying the situation,” Sheriff Doughty said. “If you get a call like this, it’s almost certainly a scam.”

Residents who encounter these scams are urged to report them to the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office and to the Federal Trade Commission at http://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.

Stay informed, stay cautious, and enjoy a safe holiday season.