MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia State Police are investigating a potential scam involving use of the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department’s name.
A woman reported that she received a call telling her that she owed money because of “civil litigation booking,” which is not part of the Monongalia County court system.
She was told by the caller to provide cards with money on them “like Green Dot Cards,” to call him back, and then meet at the Sheriff’s Office.
The victim reported the call to State Police.
The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department reported Friday that their office does not call people on any issues concerning court orders when they might be in violation of an order.
Sheriff Perry Palmer said anyone calling on a phone or sending an e-mail claiming a person owes a fine, back taxes, or any other type of money transfer can be considered suspicious — usually if the request is not in line with how an agency like the Sheriff’s Department or Internal Revenue Service actually conducts business.
If you are concerned that you are the victim of a scam, Palmer said to get as much information as possible and then contact your local law enforcement agency.