Norfolk, Va. - The Norfolk Sheriff’s office is warning about a phone scam in which men are impersonating deputies over the phone to make money.
According to the Sheriff's office, several Norfolk residents have reported receiving phone calls from two men claiming to be deputies. The callers told the victims that they missed jury duty and the fake deputies then demanded money in order to dismiss the warrant.
The impersonators allegedly threatened the victims, saying they would arrest them if they don’t pay the fine right away. Norfolk police are now investigating these reports.
The two men made up fake names for Norfolk judges and provided a number for victims to call with questions. The reported phone calls are not targeting a specific neighborhood, but are spread out throughout the city.
Now Chesapeake officials say the same thing is happening in their city and that the scammers are getting even more creative.
They claim to be a detective in the department and they're telling residents that they have to pay or they'll be arrested. They say these scammers are now able to use the city's main number by using special software.
Officials say if you really did owe a fine, you'd have to pay it at the Sheriff's Office, and if you missed jury duty, you'd get a letter in the mail.
They say seniors have been falling victim to these scams.
Other areas affected include Dare County and Portsmouth.
If you get one of these calls, report it to your local authorities.
Related: Fake sheriff’s office phone scam duping residents in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake
