Warren County Sheriff’s Office warns residents about phone scam tied to ‘warrant’ threats

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office issued a public warning on Aug. 9, 2026, about an ongoing phone scam that has targeted multiple residents with threats involving an alleged arrest warrant, according to LEX18. The sheriff’s office said the scheme has been reported across the community over the past several weeks.

In its warning, the sheriff’s office indicated the scam uses phone calls to pressure people with claims that they face immediate arrest, creating urgency intended to make recipients act without checking whether the underlying information is accurate. The agency did not provide specific call scripts in the report, but emphasized that residents should treat such claims with caution.

The warning follows reports from law enforcement that scammers frequently attempt to gain access to money or personal information by portraying themselves as official personnel or by referencing legal matters. In this case, the sheriff’s office said the scam has been tied to “persistent arrest warrant” messaging.

Residents who receive calls of this type were urged to take steps to protect themselves by verifying the information through legitimate channels before responding. The sheriff’s office warning also serves as a reminder that official warrants and related court actions are matters that should be confirmed through proper procedures rather than through unsolicited calls.

The sheriff’s office did not describe an arrest outcome in the LEX18 report, and it did not provide details on how many people were affected or whether any payments were made. However, the agency characterized the scam as active and ongoing, noting that multiple community members have been contacted.

For anyone who believes they were targeted, the next practical step is to follow local law enforcement guidance on reporting suspicious contact and to refrain from sharing personal details or responding to payment demands tied to the calls. The sheriff’s office warning indicates that residents can expect continued public alerts if additional reports emerge.

Authorities also noted that scammers often rely on the fear associated with arrest threats. Residents are generally advised to slow down, request time to verify claims through official contacts, and contact the sheriff’s office directly using channels intended for public inquiry rather than relying on information provided by the caller.