The Flagstaff Police Department (FPD) received four calls this week from residents who said they were contacted by a scammer posing as a Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputy.
The caller claimed to belong to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and “spoofed” or “spoofed” his phone number to appear as “CCSO” in the caller ID . Concerned citizens reported that the caller claimed to be on a recorded line and said he was part of the CCSO’s “Writs Division.”
Scammers requested payment through money transfer apps such as Cash App and Zelle.
FPD spokesperson Jerry Rintala said: “There are some types I know of, such as pretending to be law enforcement, or I’ve seen one advising that a close relative has been in an accident or has been arrested.”
People are also reading…
Rintala added that no real law enforcement officers would contact residents by phone to request payment in the form of money transfer apps or gift cards.
CCSO spokesperson John Paxton said: “Once we call you and tell you about the arrest warrant, you can come to the sheriff’s office and process it.”
The problem with phone number spoofing is that the fraudster’s claims can be disguised as legitimacy.
“This kind of fraud is on the rise, or at least more attempts, as technology advances,” Rintala added. “Phone number spoofing is out of our control as they can use any number they choose.”
Scammers often live outside the immediate area and are difficult to track down.
According to Paxton, CCSO cannot be relied upon in this case.
According to CCSO, no one who reported this scam lost money. He hopes it depends on his education.
Rintala added that awareness is the best tool to combat this kind of fraud.
“Please be vigilant and verify information,” he wrote in a statement from FPD.
Paxton said the agency uses communication channels—community meetings and platforms like social media—to help people understand that callers requesting gift cards and digital payments are often not who they say they are.
According to FPD, three scams were reported this week alone. One claimed the caller was affiliated with the U.S. Marshall Service, and the other said he was affiliated with the Social Security Administration. A third crook reportedly identified himself as “Lieutenant Greene of FPD.”
“It’s endless. People need to be very aware of the situation when responding to these texts, calls, or emails,” Paxton said.
Sierra Ferguson can be reached at sierra.ferguson@lee.net.
