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Community Safety

Scam Awareness

Learn to recognize and protect yourself from common scams targeting Jefferson County residents.

Common Scam Types

Scammers use a variety of tactics to steal money and personal information. Click any scam type below to learn about red flags and how to protect yourself.

Identity Theft

Someone gains access to your personal identifying information (PII) and uses it for nefarious purposes.

Bank & Credit Card Scam

Scammers contact you via email or text, claiming there's an issue with your bank account or credit card to steal your personal information.

Paper Check Scam

Scammers have the technology to alter paper checks, changing the amount and payee while keeping your signature.

Business Financial Scam

A convincing email appears to come from a high-level manager at your company, requesting financial action such as setting up a new vendor or changing direct deposit information.

Police Impersonation Scam

Scammers impersonate law enforcement officers and claim you are in legal trouble to demand immediate payment over the phone.

Law Enforcement Scam (Drug Trafficking Ruse)

A scammer pretends to be an officer, claiming your identity has been linked to a drug trafficking case and demanding you send a large sum of money.

Electronic Monitoring / Jail Release Scam

Scammers call families of inmates claiming payment is required before their family member can be released on electronic monitoring.

IRS Scam

You get a call, text, email, or voicemail saying you owe back taxes to the IRS and must pay right away—or face arrest.

Grandparent Scam

Scammers pretend to be a grandchild in trouble, starting with "Hi Grandma/Grandpa" and asking for money with urgency.

Computer / Tech Support Scam

A pop-up warns your computer has a virus, or someone calls claiming to be from Microsoft or Apple. Your computer isn't infected—they want your money.

Email & Phishing Scam

Fraudulent emails that appear to be from trusted sources like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, or your bank designed to steal your information.

Extortion / Sextortion Scam

A threatening email claims access to your computer and private activity, demanding ransom in Bitcoin to prevent embarrassment.

Robocall Scam

Automated calls claiming suspicious activity on your accounts, legal trouble, or offering to remove you from call lists.

Senior Romance / Companionship Scam

Scammers target seniors seeking companionship, building trust over weeks or months before requesting money.

Online Dating Scam

Fake profiles on dating sites build trust over time, then ask for money, preying on loneliness and the desire for companionship.

Offering Over Asking Price Scam

A buyer offers more than your asking price and asks you to pay the difference to another person—a classic overpayment scheme.

Google Voice Authentication Scam

Scammers on selling sites ask for your phone number and a Google verification code, hijacking your number to scam others.

Compromised Crypto Account Scam

Someone calls claiming to be from Coinbase or another crypto exchange, saying your account has been compromised and asking you to move funds.

Identity & Financial Scams

Scams targeting your personal information, bank accounts, and financial transactions.

Identity Theft Prevention

Take these steps to reduce your risk of becoming an identity theft victim.

Protect Your Mail

Use a locked mailbox or P.O. Box. Collect mail promptly and hold mail when traveling. Shred documents containing personal information before discarding.

Secure Your Social Security Number

Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Only provide your SSN when absolutely necessary and ask why it is needed.

Monitor Your Credit

Check your credit report at least once a year at annualcreditreport.com. Consider placing a credit freeze with all three bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax).

Safeguard Online Accounts

Use strong, unique passwords for every account. Enable two-factor authentication. Be cautious of public Wi-Fi when accessing financial accounts.

Beware of Unsolicited Contact

Never give personal information in response to unsolicited phone calls, emails, or texts. Legitimate organizations will not ask for your password or full SSN by phone or email.

Impersonation Scams

Scammers pretending to be law enforcement, government agencies, or family members.

Online & Technology Scams

Scams exploiting technology, email, phones, and the internet.

Romance & Social Scams

Scams targeting people seeking companionship and connection.

Marketplace & Transaction Scams

Scams related to buying and selling online.

Educate Yourself

Watch these short videos to learn how to recognize and avoid common scams.

Easy Ways to Stop Spam Calls

AARP guide on blocking unwanted robocalls and spam.

Watch on YouTube

3 Ways to Know It's a Scam Call

Social Security Administration tips for identifying scam calls.

Watch on YouTube

Jury Duty Scam

Learn how scammers use fake jury duty notices to steal your money.

Watch on YouTube

How to Report a Scam

Reporting scams helps law enforcement track patterns and protect the community.

Local Reporting

Federal & State Agencies

Important Reminder

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office will never call you to demand payment for warrants, fines, or any other reason. If someone calls claiming to be from our office and asks for money, it is a scam. Hang up and call our non-emergency line at (303) 271-7580 to verify.