THOMASVILLE — Scam phone calls continue to be an issue for some residents as various scammer scenarios have played out in attempt to steal money. Officials say in order to prevent these scams, simply don’t fall for them. 

Capt. Steve Jones, Thomas County Sheriff’s Office public information officer, said he receives reports about scam phone calls almost everyday.    

“Daily, three to five calls come in here,” he said. “Sometimes it will be the Social Security scam; sometimes it will be the arrest warrant scam.”

Just last week. Jones said officers received a lot of reports about an arrest warrant phone scam that was going around asking victims for $500 to prevent officers from arresting them.  

“Number one, we’re not going to call you and tell you you have a warrant. Number two, we’re not going to ask you for any money payment of any shape, form or fashion over the telephone,” he said. “So, calling over the phone asking for cash money is absolutely a scam. Do not fall for it.”

In early June, the Federal Communications Commission established new policies, including call-blocking rules, to help reduce unlawful robocalls. Jones, however, said scams remain to be a problem. 

“I haven’t seen any difference in it yet,” he said. “These guys (scammers) are smart. They’re very savvy and persistent and if it wasn’t making them a whole lot of money, they wouldn’t be doing it.”

Jones said elderly residents are often targeted, especially at later hours. 

The Social Security phone scam is one of many scams that tricks older residents into giving strangers money but Jones also said law enforcement can help assure residents aren’t in any danger.

“You tell an elderly person who depends on Social Security that their Social Security number is going to be locked down, they go into panic mode,” he said. “Don’t believe anything they say on the phone. We’ll verify that you’re not in any trouble and nothing is wrong with your account.”

Residents can help keep themselves safe from any scam phone calls by hanging up and calling law enforcement for clarification, Jones said.  

“Anything you can think of to defraud somebody, somebody has thought of and the reason they keep doing it is because people keep falling for it,” he said. “Call us if you have any doubt. Hang up on them. They’re going to tell you not to hang up and not to call the police. We’ll assure you it’s a scam and don’t answer them anymore.”