There’s no shortage of scams making the rounds right now—but not every official-looking letter in your mailbox is fraudulent.
Logan County Sheriff Randy Dodds says the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association is a legitimate organization, and it is currently sending out membership letters to Ohio residents asking for support.
Those letters often begin with language like, “Dear Citizen, I have taken an oath to uphold the laws of Ohio…” and go on to explain the organization’s mission—supporting law enforcement through training, education, and statewide advocacy,” said Sheriff Dodds.
The letter invites residents to become an associate member for a $25 donation.
In return, supporters receive a membership card, decals, a publication, and an accidental death and dismemberment insurance benefit.
The Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association has been around since 1931 and works to support sheriff’s offices across Ohio—so if you receive that specific membership request, it is considered legitimate.
However, at the same time, the police are raising a red flag about a different piece of mail/text message that’s also circulating.
The Bellefontaine Police Department is warning residents about a scam involving fake “Final Notice — Court Enforcement Action” letters.
These notices appear highly official, often referencing traffic violations, court cases, and even listing a judge’s name.
The letter may claim you owe fines for things like unpaid tolls or parking violations and urges immediate action—sometimes including a QR code to make a payment.
Police say these are not legitimate and are designed to pressure people into paying quickly without verifying the information.
If you receive one of these notices:
- Do not scan the QR code
- Do not send money
- Contact your local court or police department to verify the claim
The key difference—official organizations like the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association are transparent and informational, while scam letters often create urgency, demand immediate payment, and push you toward unofficial payment methods.
If you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to double-check before taking action.
