Williams County Sheriff Warns Residents About Ongoing Phone Scam

If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be a Williams County Sheriff’s Deputy and asking for personal information or payment, take a moment before you do anything.

The Williams County Sheriff’s Department is reminding residents about an ongoing scam in the county involving people impersonating law enforcement officers.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, deputies are again receiving reports of scammers making calls and requesting personal information or demanding payment over the phone.

Get our free mobile app

Law Enforcement Won’t Demand Payment by Phone

The Sheriff’s Department wants residents to remember one important thing: legitimate law enforcement will never demand payment over the phone, especially in the form of bitcoin.

If someone calls claiming to be a deputy and says you need to make a payment immediately, that should be a major red flag.

Scammers can sound convincing, use official-sounding language and create a sense of urgency. The goal is often to get you to provide information or send money before you have time to think about what is happening.

Read More: North Dakota Drivers, Here's What Move Over Law Requires

Williams County Sheriffs Vehicle

attachment-Williams County Sheriffs Vehicle

Williams County Sheriffs Vehicle

When in Doubt, Make a Call

If you receive a call asking for personal or payment information and something doesn't seem right, the Sheriff's Department says it likely is suspicious.

Don't provide personal information or make a payment simply because the caller claims to be with law enforcement.

Instead, take the time to verify the call yourself.

Residents can contact the Williams County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 701-577-7700 to validate whether the call is legitimate.

A few extra minutes to check could save you from becoming the next victim of the scam spreading across North Dakota.