The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam involving spoofed phone calls from someone impersonating a deputy. The caller falsely claims that the recipient has missed jury duty and now faces an arrest warrant.
The scammer is reportedly using the Sheriff’s Office’s former phone number, (937) 652-1311, which is now used by Court Services. The individual identifies themselves as “Deputy Matt Melvin” and tells the person they must pay a fine immediately to avoid being arrested.
The caller instructs the victim to visit a location with a Bitcoin ATM, convert cash into Bitcoin, and then send it to the scammer.
Officials emphasize that this is a scam. The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office does not demand payment over the phone, does not threaten arrest in this manner, and does not accept or request cryptocurrency as a form of payment.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call like this is advised to hang up immediately. Do not provide personal or financial information, and report the call to the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office urges the public to stay alert and help share this information to prevent others from being targeted by this scam.
