The Rock Springs Police Department and Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office are warning people about a recirculating phone scam in the area.
Both agencies say they have received multiple reports from people who received calls from someone who claims to be a Sweetwater County Deputy. The caller claims that the person they have called or one of their family members has an unpaid debt, a missed jury summons, or some other infraction resulting in a warrant. The caller then asks for payment, usually through a prepaid debit card, and threatens the person with arrest if they do not pay.
The Sheriff’s Office says the caller has been known to identify himself as Scott Matthews, Randy Thomas, or Matthew Thomas, although they may use other names.
This is a common scam that has cost people thousands of dollars.
These calls are fraudulent and are not the way authorities operate. Law enforcement never asks for credit card information or payment over the phone.
If there is any question as to the validity of the call, you can contact the court which the caller claims the warrant is from or the police dispatch line above to see if there is a valid warrant.
Anyone who receives similar calls is asked to take note of the phone number and report it at 307-352-1575.