Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office has investigated incidents where phone calls have been made from people who have represented themselves as Law Enforcement officers from official Law Enforcement agencies. These calls are being made to parents claiming that their children have been arrested and are in jail, usually for drug violations. These callers are representing themselves as high ranking officers and are giving return call back numbers. When these numbers are called they are being answered by someone stating they are an official Law Enforcement agency. A list of charges is given to the caller. The calls appear to sound official.

Upon further questioning, The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office has been able to determine that the calls, and the persons representing themselves are not official, and the children in question have not been arrested anywhere. The suspects are requesting the parent to wire money to “Bail Bondsman Acct” this is a fraudulent account used for the purpose of defrauding people. The parents are advised that the child will be released from custody upon receipt of the money. The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office has been able to locate the “supposedly jailed children” and confirm that they were not under arrest, and in good condition before any money was transferred.

If you receive a call of this type, ask for the name and call back number for the alleged agency. Then call your local law enforcement agency to help you verify whether or not this is a legitimate call or someone trying to commit a crime.

Remember that a legitimate Law Enforcement agency will not ask you to send money anywhere to secure the release of a person.