SCAM CALLS – Back on the Rise
Kanawha County, WV — The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office is once again urging all residents to exercise extreme caution when receiving phone calls from unknown or suspicious numbers. Reports of SCAM calls are on the rise, and we want to ensure our citizens are fully informed and protected.
We cannot stress this enough: our deputies will NEVER call you about missed jury duty, outstanding arrest warrants, or any other alleged criminal violations and request or demand payment to avoid arrest.
These fraudulent calls are designed to sound convincing and intimidating. Scammers often manipulate caller ID, use official-sounding language, and create a false sense of urgency to frighten individuals into compliance. We understand that such calls can cause alarm, but it is essential to remain calm and vigilant.
We are asking for your help in spreading the word—please talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about these scams. Make sure they understand that legitimate law enforcement will never ask for payment over the phone, especially not through wire transfers, ATMs, gift cards, or cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.
If you receive a suspicious call:
- Hang up immediately.
- Call 911 or contact the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office at 304-357-0169 to verify any claims.
- Do not provide personal information or send money under any circumstances.
Unfortunately, once money has been sent to these scammers, it is often nearly impossible to recover, and prosecuting the offenders, many of whom operate outside of the country, is extremely difficult.
Your awareness is the first line of defense. Stay alert, stay skeptical, and help others do the same.
Post expires at 12:30pm on Thursday November 20th, 2025