Dothan, Al. (WDNews) – Wiregrass Daily News sat down with Houston County Commission Chairman Brandon Shoupe to discuss a growing concern impacting residents across the Wiregrass: phone scams targeting citizens, especially the elderly.
Shoupe explained that scammers are impersonating local law enforcement officers, even using real deputy names to sound credible. These callers claim individuals have missed court dates and demand immediate payment, often threatening arrest if money is not sent right away.
He emphasized that these scams are becoming more convincing, with some callers sounding local due to advancing technology.
Many victims have lost significant amounts of money, and in some cases, nearly their entire savings. Shoupe stressed that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never request payment over the phone or demand gift cards, Bitcoin, or wire transfers.
The most important defense, he noted, is awareness. Residents are encouraged to hang up on suspicious calls and contact the sheriff’s office directly using an official number.
He also urged people to educate family members, particularly older relatives, about these tactics to help prevent further losses in the community.
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