The Howard County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a public safety alert after learning of an active telephone scam targeting local residents. Scammers are using caller‑ID spoofing technology to make it appear as though the call is coming from an official Howard County law‑enforcement number.
How the scam works
Victims receive a call from a number that displays the Sheriff’s Office logo and phone number. The caller claims the person failed to respond to a jury summons issued by the Howard County District Clerk’s Office and threatens legal or financial consequences if payment or personal information is not provided immediately.
Official response
Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Deputy Sheriff Mark Hernandez emphasized that the department never contacts residents by telephone regarding missed jury duty. “If you receive a call like this, hang up right away and do not share any personal or financial details,” he said.
Officials added that a legitimate caller‑ID display does not guarantee the call is authentic. The spoofing software simply masks the true origin of the call, making it look as if it originated from a government line.
What residents should do
Anyone who receives a suspicious call should:
- Hang up immediately.
- Never provide Social Security numbers, bank account details, or credit‑card information.
- Contact the Howard County Sheriff’s Office directly at the official phone number listed on the department’s website if there is any doubt.
The Sheriff’s Office also recommends checking the status of any jury summons by visiting the Howard County District Clerk’s Office website or calling the clerk’s office directly.
Why the warning matters
Phone‑spoofing scams have risen nationwide, exploiting the public’s trust in law‑enforcement identifiers. By alerting the community early, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office hopes to prevent financial loss and protect personal data.
Residents are encouraged to share this warning with family and neighbors, especially seniors who may be more vulnerable to fraud. Community vigilance remains a key component of local public‑safety efforts.
Original reporting: CBS7 / First Alert 7 KOSA (Gray) — read the source article.
