COLUMBIA, Pa. — Columbia residents are being urged to stay alert after Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday issued a warning about a growing phone scam in which callers impersonate local sheriff’s deputies and attempt to trick people into sending money.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, scammers are using technology that allows them to make incoming calls appear as though they are coming from legitimate county sheriff’s offices. The scam often begins with a caller claiming an arrest warrant has been issued because the victim failed to appear for jury duty or missed a court hearing.
The caller then pressures the victim to make an immediate payment for a supposed bond or bail in order to avoid arrest.
Officials stress that no legitimate law enforcement agency, government office, or court will demand payment over the phone. They also will not request payment through gift cards, Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, or other unconventional payment methods.
For Columbia residents, this warning serves as an important reminder to verify any unexpected call claiming to be from law enforcement. Smaller communities are often targeted because scammers rely on fear, urgency, and the trust people place in local agencies.
The Attorney General’s Office says scammers frequently attempt to keep victims on the phone while they withdraw money from their bank accounts or make deposits through Bitcoin ATMs. In some cases, callers have instructed victims to lie to bank employees about the purpose of the withdrawal.
Residents should be especially cautious if a caller:
- Claims an arrest warrant has been issued.
- Demands immediate payment.
- Insists you stay on the phone until payment is completed.
- Requests payment through gift cards, Bitcoin, or cryptocurrency.
- Tells you not to discuss the matter with family or friends.
- Provides a QR code or payment code to scan.
Local seniors may be particularly vulnerable to these scams, and officials encourage residents to speak with elderly family members, friends, and neighbors about common fraud tactics.
If you receive a suspicious call:
- Hang up immediately.
- Do not withdraw cash based on instructions received over the phone.
- Do not send money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
- Speak with a trusted family member or friend.
- Verify the information independently by contacting the agency directly through an official phone number.
Anyone who receives one of these scam calls can contact the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection at 1-800-441-2555. Complaints can also be submitted through the Attorney General’s website or by emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov.
As scammers continue finding new ways to exploit technology and public trust, officials say awareness remains the best defense. For Columbia residents, the message is simple: if someone claiming to be law enforcement demands money over the phone, hang up and verify the information before taking any action.
The Columbia Chronicle will continue monitoring consumer alerts and scams affecting residents throughout Columbia and Lancaster County.
