Beware: Scammers Posing as Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Deputies

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Civil Division is warning residents about a surge in scam calls from individuals pretending to be MCSO deputies. Victims report receiving phone calls with prerecorded messages from scammers claiming to be law enforcement officers, demanding immediate payment for alleged fines.

These con artists have been operating for years, tricking community members into believing they owe money for fines, missed court dates, or warrants. They typically request payments via unconventional methods such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps—methods that no legitimate law enforcement or government agency would ever use.

Remember: The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and other government agencies will never call you to request payment over the phone for any fines, warrants, or court-related issues. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately. Do not engage with the caller or follow any instructions. Instead, contact your local law enforcement’s non-emergency number to confirm the legitimacy of the call. Be cautious of caller ID, as scammers can manipulate it to display false numbers.

Red Flags to Watch For:

🚩 Callers demand payment in unconventional ways, such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps.

🚩 The scam callers are often aggressive, pressuring victims to stay on the phone and comply with their demands.

🚩 Scammers may falsely claim to be a Lieutenant with the Phoenix Police, urging immediate callbacks or visits to fraudulent websites.

These scam calls are designed to instill fear and confusion, often creating a sense of urgency to pressure victims into paying. Stay vigilant and protect yourself by being aware of these tactics. Always verify the authenticity of any suspicious calls directly through official channels, and never provide payment information to unsolicited callers.

Stay safe, stay informed, and share this information with your loved ones to help prevent them from becoming the next victim of this ongoing scam.