Police warn of man impersonating sheriff's deputy, attempting to con seniors

TACOMA -- Tacoma police say there have been eight cases reported of a scam where someone impersonates a sheriff's deputy on the phone in an effort to scam senior citizens.

Officers say the male caller, who identifies himself as Deputy Greg Allen with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, is attempting to con people by claiming they need to pay  unresolved court fees or face arrest.

He has left phone messages saying, “We are trying to get a hold of about a court house matter. Please call back at #253-259-1649.”

When the citizen calls back, they get a voice recording that says, “You have reached the sheriff’s office, desk of Lt. Greg Allen. If you are calling about a courthouse matter, please leave a message.”

A man then reportedly calls back a short time later, directing the citizen to buy a prepaid card in the amount of $6,500 and deliver it to a specific location. The citizen is told if they do not deliver the card immediately, a deputy will come to their home and arrest them on a warrant.  One citizen delivered a card and was told he would receive a receipt the next day.

Sheriff’s detective Ed Troyer said the department wouldn’t make calls like this and neither would other police departments.

“We don’t have a deputy by that name, that’s not a good phone number and there’s no process in place to accept money like that,” said Troyer.

The Gig Harbor Police Department is also warning citizens about a similar scam. Police believe there could be other victims out there. Anyone who may have received one of these calls is asked to call your local police agency.