CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. () – The Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) is currently investigating warrant scams totalling almost $50,000.

CCPD is asking residents to be alert to these scams and to report them as soon as possible.

As per reports to CCPD, individuals received calls informing them of an outstanding arrest warrant. They were then given directions on making a payment to settle the warrant and prevent being detained.

In several cases, fraudsters impersonated an officer from the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office or claimed to be from a bond agency affiliated with the Sheriff’s Office.

It is important for everyone to remember that no member of any law enforcement agency will ever contact you and demand payment for anything.

Here are some tips to remember:

• Scammers work by using scare tactics and a sense of urgency. If someone contacts you and demands urgent payment in order to avoid jail – or another severe consequence – realize that you are being scammed.
• Hang up immediately.
• If you are not sure if you’re dealing with a scammer, hang up. Then, look up the legitimate number of the law enforcement department that contacted you and seek assistance. DO NOT call back the number that the scammer called you from.
• Law enforcement will never contact you and demand any type of payment.
• Demand for payments that must be made by Bitcoin, Apple Pay, and gift cards are scams. Demands for payments to be made through various money transfer apps (like Zelle, Vimeo, CashApp) are also red flags.

If anyone has more details regarding this scam or possible victims, they are encouraged to reach out to CCPD. Anonymous tips can be submitted via the Chatham County Police Department app or its online tip form.

You can also call Crime Stoppers at 912-234-2020, where tipsters are anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.