New Roanoke area scam targets missed court appearances

Phone call from unknown number late at night. Scam, fraud or phishing with smartphone concept. Prank caller, scammer or stranger. Man answering to incoming call.…

Phone call from unknown number late at night. Scam, fraud or phishing with smartphone concept. Prank caller, scammer or stranger. Man answering to incoming call. Hoax person with fake identity.

by: Abby Meyer

Posted: Mar 17, 2023 / 03:29 PM EDT

Updated: Mar 17, 2023 / 03:29 PM EDT

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — The Roanoke County Police Department warns citizens of current phone scams targeting individuals in the area.

Police say that scammers are calling residents, posing as Roanoke County sergeants convincing individuals to pay a fee for failing to appear in court. Citizens are urged to be cautious about sharing personal information over the phone and online as scammers oftentimes provide false information such as a sergeant’s name to make the call appear more legitimate.

Court representatives and/or law enforcement will never ask you to make a payment digitally. Individuals required to appear in court will be notified through other methods.

If you are a victim and have not reported the crime, please contact the Emergency Communication Center at 540-562‐3265 to make a report.