Fake Law Enforcement Scam Reported In Laramie

The Albany County Sheriff's Office is warning Laramie and Albany County residents about phony law enforcement officers calling people up and demanding money.

That's according to a post on the agency's Facebook page. According to the post, someone is calling people and telling them that they have missed jury duty or have warrants out. The scammer(s) most recently has been using the name "Deputy Brian Collins."

The post reminds people that legitimate law enforcement won't call you up and demand payment over the phone, or be arrested.

The caller may spoof a real law enforcement phone number or use the name of a real person in local law enforcement.

The Scammer May Use True Information

The post also says the scammer often:

* refers to the community member by name,

* tells the community member the call is being recorded, and

* tells the community member they missed a court appearance or jury duty.

The post reminds people that:

* The Albany County Sheriff’s Office does not call individuals and demand or request money from community members under any circumstances.

* The Albany County Sheriff’s Office or any other legitimate law enforcement agency does not call community members seeking payment for outstanding traffic citations or warrants. This includes claims of unpaid federal or state taxes.

* Individuals claiming to collect debts may try to instill fear in potential victims to persuade them to forward money.

The agency says you should never give out personal or financial information to unsolicited callers email contacts. You shold also never wire money or debit cards or email numbers to strangers, and remember that anyone who has the number on your prepaid debit cards has access to your money.