This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A scammer with a "thick southern accent" is calling Summit County residents and posing as law enforcement to demand fines, the Summit County Sheriff's Department announced Wednesday.
At least five residents reported the caller had claimed to be a lieutenant or captain with the sheriff's department and ordered them to pay a fine or face arrest by a SWAT team, said Sgt. Ron Bridge.
The caller apparently researches his targets, identifying their addresses and other personal information, Bridge said. Caller ID shows a local number, but it appears to be a disguise for an online call, Bridge said.
Investigators intercepted a call to one target and told the caller they were law enforcement, Bridge said. The man abandoned his ruse and said he was actually in Alabama, Bridge said.
No one has tried to send any money to the man, Bridge said.
He advised residents that sheriff's officers serve all arrest warrants in person.
"The Summit County Sheriff's Office doesn't contact people by phone to serve an arrest warrant," he said.