West Plains, MO. – The Howell County Sheriff’s Office recently made an announcement on their social media page, which plainly states “the scammers are at it again”.
This scam appears to take several familiar shapes with a slightly new approach. The scammers are calling residents of Howell County using the names of actual deputies, before then telling potential victims they have warrants, or need their DNA taken. After directing someone to a new phone number, they will then ask for payments.
The Howell County Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone that they will never ask you for payments over the phone, and advise that you immediately hang up and block the number.
Several people within the area have already been targeted.