The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office issued a public safety alert on Monday after receiving reports that scammers are calling residents while pretending to be a sergeant from the office. The callers claim the victim has failed to appear in court as an “expert witness” and then demand immediate payment of cash or bond funds.

How the scam works

According to a social‑media post shared by the sheriff’s office, the fraudsters introduce themselves as a sergeant and create a sense of urgency by alleging a missed subpoena or court date. They then request payment, often insisting on cash or a bond, and may use intimidating language to pressure the recipient.

Official response

Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Deputy Sheriff Mark Jensen emphasized that the department will never call a resident to discuss a missed subpoena, court appearance, or any financial obligation. “If you receive a call claiming to be from the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office and asking for money, hang up immediately,” Jensen said.

Residents who receive such a call are encouraged to verify the request by contacting the sheriff’s office directly at 937‑484‑6091 or by calling the Champaign County 911 center at 937‑653‑3409. The department will confirm whether any legitimate action is pending.

Protecting yourself

• Do not provide personal information, banking details, or cash to unsolicited callers.
• Hang up if the caller pressures you to pay immediately.
• Report the call to the sheriff’s office so investigators can track the scam.
• Never trust a caller who claims a court appearance is required for an “expert witness” role without prior notification.

The sheriff’s office reminded the community that scams of this nature are on the rise nationwide, but local law‑enforcement agencies are working diligently to educate the public and prevent financial loss. By staying vigilant and verifying any official communication, residents can help protect themselves and their neighbors from fraud.

Community impact

Scams that exploit trust in law‑enforcement agencies undermine the safety and cohesion of our neighborhoods. The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with local media outlets and community groups to spread awareness and encourage prompt reporting of suspicious calls.

For ongoing updates and additional safety tips, residents can follow the sheriff’s official social‑media channels or sign up for alerts through the WHIO‑TV News app.

Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.