Scammers posing as representatives of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) appear to be at fault again.

The CCSO issued a statement on Tuesday saying it had heard complaints from many citizens concerned about the issue. The residents said they were contacted by a caller claiming to be a lawmaker. CCSO said the name used by the scammers appeared genuine and was likely taken from his law enforcement website and social media profiles.

The fraudsters called and demanded payment from the caller, citing dereliction of jury duty, unpaid warrants and late fines, according to the CCSO. The sheriff’s deputy never asks for payment over the phone, the statement said.

Citizens who receive unexpected calls from persons purportedly acting on behalf of the CCSO may hang up and call the CCSO directly at (928) 774-4523 to verify that they are being contacted for a legitimate purpose. I have.

The CCSO warns that it’s relatively easy for scammers to imitate phone numbers and email addresses.

“Take your time and trust your intuition,” the CCSO statement reads. “If the caller makes you uncomfortable or says something you don’t think is right, hang up.”