Warning: Man Impersonating As Deputy for Money Reported in Kanawha County

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KANAWHA COUNTY, WV (WOWK) - Deputies are investigating a scam involving an individual impersonating a deputy in Kanawha County.

According to the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office, on Tuesday, a Cross Lanes resident received word from a coworker that a Deputy was attempting to contact her.

She dialed the number for the alleged Lieutenant Jackson and spoke with a man who identified himself as a police officer. 

He told her she missed jury duty and needed to bring money to the federal courthouse within an hour to avoid arrest.

He stayed on the phone with her and directed her to purchase pre-paid credit cards, which she did. 

She read him the card numbers and was told the balance did not transfer, so she purchased more.  Altogether she purchased $1,250.00 in pre-paid cards, and gave the numbers to the man impersonating a Deputy Sheriff.

She was told to wait in front of the federal courthouse in Charleston. 

After waiting over an hour she crossed the street and made inquiry at the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. 

Deputies then began an investigation into the fraud.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office will never demand payment over the telephone.  All bonds, fines, and taxes may be paid in person at the Kanawha County Courthouse.  If you opt to pay taxes over the phone dial numbers from trusted sources. 

Those working for the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office may contact those with outstanding warrants and encourage them to appear at Magistrate Court to answer the charge, but they will not demand payment by phone with pre-paid cards. 

This investigation is continuing by deputies.  If you have information on this or similar crimes, please call 304-357-0169.