Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Warns of Scam Calls Using Department’s Main Phone Number

Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is alerting residents to a phone scam where callers are pretending to be law enforcement officers using the department’s own main phone number through caller ID spoofing.

Officials say the scammers are telling residents they are in legal trouble and could be arrested if they don’t act immediately. The fraudulent calls often involve fake claims such as unpaid court fees, outstanding traffic tickets, missed court dates, or active warrants. The Sheriff's Office stresses these calls are completely false. Deputies do not call residents to threaten arrest or demand payment, especially not through gift cards, Bitcoin, or over-the-phone transactions. Authorities urge residents not to fall for the scam and to hang up immediately if they receive one of these calls.

If you’re ever in doubt about a phone call claiming to be from law enforcement, you're encouraged to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office directly at 636-797-5000.