Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.
Franklin County Ohio Scam - Protect Yourself

Active scams in Franklin County, Ohio, involve fraudsters impersonating sheriff's deputies or court officials to demand immediate payment for fake warrants, missed jury duty, or to bail out family members. They often demand payment via gift cards, crypto, or cash apps to avoid arrest. Do not pay; the Sheriff's Office never demands payment over the phone.

About the Scam

  • Family Incarceration Scam: Scammers call relatives claiming a loved one is in jail and need immediate payment to secure their release, often mentioning diversion programs.
  • Text Message Scam: Fake texts circulate claiming to be from "Franklin COUNTY Courts" about unpaid parking tickets, often including a malicious QR code for payment.
  • Warrant Scam: Callers claim you missed jury duty or have an outstanding warrant and demand payment to avoid immediate arrest.

Protect Yourself

  • Verify Independently: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call the Franklin County Sheriff's Office directly at 614-525-3333.
  • Ignore Urgent Demands: Scammers create a false sense of urgency and fear to stop you from thinking clearly.
  • Never Pay with Gift Cards: Law enforcement will never request payment via gift cards, Bitcoin, or cash apps.
  • Verify Inmates: Use the official Franklin County Sheriff's website inmate search to check if a family member is actually incarcerated.

If you have been targeted, report it to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

waiting