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January 29, 2016
The Fairway Police Department posted a warning in January of 2015 concerning telephone calls from an individual impersonating a member of the Johnson County, Kansas Sheriff's Department who was attempting to scam money from them. I am not aware of any recent attempts at this ruse in Fairway but wanted to remind our residents of its existence to help them avoid being a victim. There are many variations on this scam but the ultimate goal is to steal your money.
The caller usually targets the elderly by saying they failed to report for jury duty or a grand jury summons and a warrant has been issued for their arrest. Past scams also have the caller claiming to an Assistant District Attorney or using the name of a real District Court Judge. The scammer tells the victim to purchase a money card (Green Dot is often used) at a local store for a specific amount so they can avoid arrest by posting a bond. The scammer then has the victim read the card identification number over the phone so they can transfer the funds. A variation of this involves the caller pretending to be a grandchild (or a friend of their grandchild's) and claiming they have been arrested in another country. The money is needed to pay fines so they can return to the United States. The calls are threatening and intimidating in nature and are intended to frighten the victim into compliance.
The Johnson County Sheriff's Department does have policies and procedures in place for contacting individuals with outstanding warrants. These policies and procedures DO NOT INCLUDE A DEMAND FOR IMMEDIATE PAYMENT OF ANY BOND MONEY OVER THE PHONE.
If you are contacted by anybody stating they are with the Johnson County, Kansas Sheriff's Department, The Johnson County District Attorney's Office, or any Police Agency and you question the validity of the call use the following steps to avoid being a victim. 1) Ask for their name and call back number 2) Look up the telephone number for that agency on line or in the phone book; do not use any number provided by the caller. 3) Call the listed number and tell then you want to verify information prior to speaking with a person claiming to be with that agency. 4) Ask to be connected to the person who originally called you. If the caller claims to be from outside the U.S call your local Police for direction. If you receive this type of call notify the Fairway Police Department 913-262-2364 so the information can be documented.
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