Scammers impersonating MCSO employees, officials say

MARICOPA COUNTY — The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) is warning county residents to be wary of phone calls coming from scammers impersonating MCSO employees.

"The scammers claim to be employees of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, while telling residents they have a warrant for their arrest for missing jury duty or unpaid fines," MCSO wrote in a press release.

The scammers are allegedly telling Maricopa County residents they need to provide "immediate financial compensation" in the form of cash, money orders, or gift cards. If residents purchase gift cards, they're then instructed to provide the MCSO impersonators with the gift card numbers.

MCSO says the scammers have even told residents to go directly to MCSO headquarters "to collect payment" and get residents to believe "they are an employee of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office."

According to MCSO, "The caller(s) are referencing personal information obtained regarding MCSO staff members including name, date of birth, and phone number."

"It is important to remember that MCSO will never ask for money over the phone or request to meet you in person to take your money," the press release continued. "If you receive an unusual phone call from a phone number you do not recognize and they are identifying themselves as MCSO staff, we remind you to never provide your personal information to an unknown caller."

If you believe you are a victim of this scam, or you receive a call from these scammers, you can report to MCSO at 602-876-TIPS (8477).