Residents warned of scam involving warrants, fines

By Paul Keane

Franklin Advocate

Sheriff Tom Tindle is warning residents not to fall for a phone scam 
making its way through the area.

On Tuesday morning, Tindle said he had received called from residents 
saying they received phone calls from people stating they were with the 
Franklin County Sheriff's Department. Identifying themselves as either 
"Captains" or "Sergeants," the callers said the person being called had 
outstanding fines.

The callers said that warrants had been issued, but the warrants could 
be removed by making a payment over the phone.

Tindle said his department is not making these calls and would never ask 
for money over the phone.

"As a department, we do not solicit payments over the phone," Tindle 
said. "Fines and fees are handled by the court system and not directly 
by the Sheriff's Department."

Tindle said the scammers are targeting elderly people in the area, but 
everyone should remain vigilant and aware.

Everyone is warned not to give out personal nor financial information to 
anyone over the phone unless the person's identity and the purpose for 
the information is confirmed.