Phone scam in Idaho Falls area

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office reports it has taken multiple calls lately about a reoccurring phone scam calling residents in the Idaho Falls area.

According to Sgt. Bryan Lovell, the scammer indicates they are with the Bonneville Sheriff’s Department and tells the victim they have a warrant for their arrest for various reasons including missing a court hearing, unpaid fines and missing jury duty.

Lovell says this almost always an issue the victim didn’t or couldn’t have known about and are being told by the scammers in various ways they will be sent to jail unless they pay money.

The dialog of this scam can be quite lengthy and may even make reference to the address of the courthouse and particular officers; however, Lovell said when the victim begins to question the suspiciousness of the call, they are usually hung up on.

One of the numbers identified as being used by the scammers lately has been identified as 208-423-3294, which is not associated with any Bonneville County Law Enforcement agencies.

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office reminds you law enforcement does contact people for purposes related to a law enforcement function or investigation from time to time, but law enforcement does not collect money over the phone to pay for fines or other court costs that you may or may not be aware.

Lovell said anytime you receive a phone call that is suspicious, don’t give out any personal information and hang up immediately.