Phone scammers pose as Lumpkin Co. deputies

DAHLONEGA - Lumpkin County is the latest part of north Georgia targeted by scammers who are trying to intimidate residents into handing over their financial information over the phone.

Lumpkin County Sheriff's Lt. Wesley Burnett said it's a familiar scam - the caller claims he's a deputy with an outstanding arrest warrant for the person he's calling.

"And as long as they can send some money through either a transfer or paying of a prepaid card and meeting someone to hand that off, then that ticket could be taken care of without that person having to go to jail," said Burnett.

Burnett said the caller is not threatening, but he is insistent and he sounds authentic.

"They are actually using some of the names of the actual employees that work here [at the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office]," said Burnett.

Burnett said the reports of these calls started coming in Thursday, and he knew of at least four reports in Lumpkin County, and another four reports from other counties in the region. In all of the cases, he said, the caller claimed to represent Lumpkin County authorities.

He said there was one unconfirmed report of one victim actually giving confidential information to the caller. Authorities are investigating that claim.

Burnett said residents need to understand that no law enforcement agency demands payment for tickets or warrants over the phone.

"Do not send money to any of these people...you hang up and contact your local law enforcement and let them know what's going on."

NOTE: Lt. Burnett said Lumpkin County authorities were receiving additional information about a phone scam involving a caller claiming to be from a local bank also making requests for money. That matter is under investigation.