Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.
Mecklenburg County Scams - Protect Yourself

Mecklenburg County residents are currently targeted by sophisticated scams, including jury duty impersonation (demanding fines for missed service) and fraudulent property tax calls. Scammers spoof legitimate law enforcement numbers, demanding immediate payment via gift cards or wire transfers. Do not send money or share personal information; the Sheriff's Office never calls for payment.

Types of Scam

  • Jury Duty Scam: Scammers claim you missed jury duty and threaten arrest, often using names of real officials to extort thousands of dollars.
  • Property Tax Scam: Individuals posing as county officials contact homeowners about unpaid taxes to steal personal banking information or Social Security numbers.
  • Spoofed Phone Numbers: Calls may appear to come from the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office or local law enforcement.
  • Fake Law Enforcement: Scammers, such as a recently arrested suspect at CLT airport, may impersonate officers to exploit victims.

Protect Yourself

  • Hang up immediately if a caller asks for money or personal information, even if it appears to be a legitimate number.
  • Verify independently by contacting the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office or court officials directly via official websites.
  • Know that legal matters and official jury notices are sent by mail, not phone.
  • Report scams to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department or the NC Department of Justice.
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