Bannock Sheriff warns against phone scam

Bannock County Sheriff Lorin Nielsen is warning people not be taken by a new phone scam involving a fake cop.

Nielsen said a person has been calling people and identifying himself as “Deputy Harris” with the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office. No such officer exists, according to Nielsen.

The caller claims to have warrants in the victim’s name and asks the victim to pay with their credit card over the phone in order to avoid arrest.

The Sheriff’s Office said it began receiving calls about the scam Tuesday morning and is in the process of tracing the phone number.

“Under no circumstances will any officer ask you for money or ask you to pay them,” said Nielsen.

Tuesday afternoon deputies were interviewing someone who claims to own the number.

Nielsen said it’s possible the number could have been hijacked with the aid of sophisticated technology.

Anyone who is approached with such a call is encouraged to contact the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office at 208-236-7114.