Over the last few days citizens of Kanawha County have received phone calls from someone claiming to be a Kanawha County Sheriff’s Deputy. The caller tells those who answer they have missed jury duty and are now being assessed fines. They instruct whoever answers to turn themselves in at court or pay a fine by adding money to prepaid cards or accounts.
A criminal investigation was launched immediately. The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office never engages in online collection of fines for alleged court violations. Additionally, no court fines are assessed until the accused has had a hearing regarding the matter.
If you receive a call similar to the one described above, please do not provide credit card, checking, or other banking information. Do not purchase or add money to prepaid cards or accounts.
If you have already received such a call, and given money to the caller, please call 304-357-0556 to report the incident. The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office’s detective bureau is investigating.
Also, the KCSO Deputy Sheriff’s Association occasionally raises money through phone solicitations. However, the DSA is not engaging in such fund raising right now. There are no legitimate calls being made asking for money by members of this agency.
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Corporal B. D. Humphreys
Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office
301 Virginia Street East,
Charleston WV 25301
desk: 304-357-0732 / cell: 304-951-7328
Follow us on Twitter: @kanawhasheriff