Fraud Alert

The Buncombe County Office of the Sheriff has received numerous reports in recent days of a scam in the county.

Unknown suspects, posing as Deputy Sheriffs, are calling potential victims and informing them that they have had a warrant issued for their arrest. The suspects then direct the victim to travel to a local merchant to purchase gift cards. The victim is directed to give the suspects the numbers from the cards after they are activated, who then take the money from the cards.

Victims have lost thousands of dollars to this scam.

No member of any local sheriff’s office will call a citizen and tell them that a lawfully issued warrant can be dismissed for a payment. Sheriff’s Office personnel do not accept payment to satisfy warrants for arrest. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office does not accept any payment for any service by a gift card or other financial device.

Sheriff Van Duncan encourages all citizens to be vigilant and ensure that you are speaking to a legitimate Deputy Sheriff. If you are contacted by someone telling you that a warrant has been issued, please contact the Sheriff’s Office or local law enforcement in your area and verify the warrant. All law enforcement carry identification and will properly identify themselves.

Do not call the number that you are being provided by the suspect; instead, call the number for your local law enforcement found in the phone directory, or the agency website if you have any questions.

As always if you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.