Increase in scam calls reported in Westmorland County

Scam call
Photo credit Getty Images

PITTSBURGH (100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA) A new phone scam is being reported in the Pittsburgh area.

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According to reports, a scammer impersonating an officer with the Westmoreland County sheriff's office.

The scam comes from a 724 number and the caller reportedly identifies themselves as “Officer Chris Hawkins.”

The scammer claims the victim needs to be at court and to bring your ID and a credit card, or ask for money or gift cards.

Sherriff James Albert of Westmorland County said the office would never contact anyone via phone call.

“Anything we send out… is all done by mail,” Albert said. “There’s never a time the sheriff’s office will call individuals and say they have to pay money.”

The scammer is calling mostly the elderly and if you receive one of these calls, police are asking that you hang up and report the incident.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images