(8-1-23) The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office would like to warn everyone of a scam currently circulating within our county.

The Sheriff’s Office has received complaints from residents who are receiving calls from SCAMMERS posing as Van Wert County Sheriff’s Deputies demanding payment with the threat of arrest for failing to appear in court, unpaid traffic tickets, etc. The SCAMMERs are trying to obtain residents’ personal information and address. IMMEDIATELY HANG UP and DO NOT provide any information to the caller. The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office does not conduct business in this manner.

First: If you have a warrant for your arrest, summons, or, other legal process intended for you it will be communicated to you via the US Postal Service or by a personal visit.

Second: We’ll never call you and ask for a payment over the phone, and certainly not in the form of an Amazon card, an iTunes gift card, or any other form of gift card. Chances are, if they are asking for money, they aren’t one of us. Just remember: if it seems suspicious, it probably is.

If you receive a suspicious phone call please contact at any time the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office, Non-Emergency Line at 419-238-3866 or your local law enforcement agency.

Please see the attached Resources that may help reduce unwanted calls, emails, and texts. Also reach out to your local banker (in person), financial advisor, or other professional resources for guidance.