The Orange County Sheriff’s Office releases a daily crime report, which recently has contained repeated warnings of phone call scams that have been occurring in the county.

Authorities say residents should be on the look out for multiple scams to avoid being fooled around the holidays.

One scammer has been calling residents claiming to be a deputy and demanding payment or be arrested. According to the sheriff’s office report, no law enforcement agency will ever call and demand payment over the phone.

Another scam that has seen significant uptick, particularly in the Wake County area, targets grandparents. The report states that the callers have used a line pretending to be a grandchild in distress who needs money.

In three instances this month, grandparents fell victim to the scam, losing a total of $44,900.

This year, 32 victims have lost more than $184,000.

Additionally, earlier this month the Carrboro Police Department warned of a scam phone call claiming to be Duke Energy and demanding money for “unpaid bills”.

If you are unsure of a phone call, officials advise hanging up and calling a business or person directly. You are also encouraged to report all suspicious activity.

For more information, contact the Orange County’s Sheriff’s Office or file a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Justice.

Related Stories
‹
The Great Grift: How Billions in COVID-19 Relief Aid Was Stolen or Wasted
Written by RICHARD LARDNER, JENNIFER McDERMOTT and AARON KESSLER Much of the theft was brazen, even simple. Fraudsters used the Social Security numbers of dead people and federal prisoners to get unemployment checks. Cheaters collected those benefits in multiple states. And federal loan applicants weren’t cross-checked against a Treasury Department database that would have raised […]
Local Residents Report Scam Callers Impersonating Orange County Sheriff's Deputies
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about recent fraudulent calls made to residents where callers are impersonating law enforcement officers. In its Community Watch Daily Report, the sheriff’s office said it recently received multiple calls from Hillsborough residents claiming they spoke with a “Deputy Mark” or “Officer Davis” with Orange County. These individuals […]
Chapel Hill Police Warn About Scammers Asking for Donations
The Town of Chapel Hill is warning about scam callers asking for donations for the Chapel Hill Police and Fire Departments. These scams were brought to the town’s attention after a member of the Chapel Hill Fire Department recently received one of these calls. Community Safety communications specialist for Chapel Hill Ran Northam says that […]
Fight During Arrest Lands 3 Orange County Sheriff's Deputies in Hospital
Hillsborough resident Jorge Luis Lopez Duran faces three felony charges of assault on a law enforcement officer.
Orange County Sheriff Blackwood Appointed to Chair of North Carolina Governor's Crime Commission
After serving on the North Carolina Governor's Crime Commission for nearly eight years, Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood will now have the chance to lead the group.
Orange County Sheriff's Office: Carrboro Man Charged With 10 Counts of Child Sexual Exploitation
The Orange County Sheriff's Office announced charges against a Carrboro resident for the sexual exploitation of a minor Wednesday afternoon.
17-Year-Old Suspect Sought for Gunfire, Domestic Assault in Orange County Surrenders to Authorities
A 17-year-old wanted for a domestic violence incident involving gunfire turned himself in to the Orange County Magistrate’s Office on Monday.
Snow, Ice Create 'Treacherous' Roads in Orange County; Sheriff Urges Drivers to Stay Home
An increase in snowfall and cold temperatures on Wednesday led to rapidly deteriorated road conditions in Orange County and the surrounding area — causing several crashes and traffic slowdowns.
Orange, Chatham Sheriffs Charge Chapel Hill Men With Online Child Exploitation
Orange County investigators charged 26-year-old Trefor Studenberg in a months-long case with the Internet Crimes Against Children task force.
Hillsborough Man Charged With Multiple Counts of Child Exploitation
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Hillsborough man Friday and have charged him with 15 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. The sheriff’s office says Christopher M. Watson, 45, turned himself in at the magistrate’s office, immediately posted a $7,500 secure bond and appeared in court Monday afternoon. According to the sheriff’s […]
›