MADISON COUNTY, ALABAMA, Ala. — The Madison County Sheriff's Department says they have received numerous reports this morning regarding local phone scams with someone impersonating law enforcement officers. These imposters claim to be Sergeant Steven Hopkins from the department and use a technique known as "cloning" to copy the phone numbers of legitimate government agencies. According to MCSO, this scam is used to cause significant distress within the community by issuing false threats of arrests, incarceration, and civil lawsuits to extort money.
Recent scams also include the creation of authentic-looking documents resembling legitimate legal paperwork. These fraudulent documents feature signatures from law enforcement officials, local judges, and court clerks within Madison County, often presented as evidence of a warrant against their targets. According to the Madison County Sheriff's Office, it is crucial for residents to remain alert and use caution to avoid falling victim to these scams.
To protect yourself against scams, the Madison County Sheriff's Department emphasizes the following key points:
- Law enforcement personnel never demand payment or sensitive information over the phone, nor do they notify individuals of investigations or legal actions via phone calls. Legitimate notifications are typically delivered in person or through official correspondence.
- Real law enforcement officers will not expect cash or gift cards from a member of the public.
The Madison County Sheriff's Department urges anyone who believes they are being scammed to contact them at 256-722-7181.
