CHEROKEE COUNTY
Checking documents
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has alerted residents about scammers using real names within the sheriff’s office to extort money.
This scam involves the caller impersonating sheriff’s Capt. David Williams, saying they are calling to discuss important documents. The initial caller identified himself as “John Clay from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office,” and when asked about his supervisor claimed it was Williams.
Both individuals had
local accents, but it was not Williams nor anyone from the sheriff’s office on the line. Officials said this incident is another way scammers are attempting to gain trust in attempts to extort money.
Officials advise residents to never give out any personal information over the phone, especially money, banking information, gift cards nor anything else of value. Once scammers have the money, it’s almost impossible to recover it.
In a similar manner, the sheriff’s office has received complaints from local residents regarding someone calling them and either acting as a law enforcement officer or giving them a particular name.
The person says they are running criminal history checks, conducting background checks, etc., to try and extort money or intimidate someone before stating they would release the information to the public. While there are websites where you can pay to get background checks, only law enforcement personnel, judicial officials or those certified through the State Bureau of Investigation can conduct a criminal history check in North Carolina.
If you receive a telephone call similar to this, call the sheriff’s office at 828-837-2589 or your local police department.
MURPHY
Williams gets honor
Capt. David Williams of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office was awarded an advanced service award certificate on Dec. 4 by Sheriff Dustin Smith and Chief Deputy Justin Jacobs.
The N.C. Department of Justice created the Law Enforcement Officers’ Professional Certificate Program in order to recognize the level of competence of law enforcement officers serving governmental agencies within the state, foster interest in college education and professional law enforcement training programs, and attract highly qualified people into a law enforcement career.
“Williams is a true testament to the dedication and professionalism he has for his lifelong career and Cherokee County residents,” according to a release.
CHEROKEE COUNTY
‘Blackout Wednesday’
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office joined the Western North Carolina Regional DWI Task Force and other law enforcement agencies on Nov. 27 for a special operation called “Blackout Wednesday.”
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving historically kicks off the holiday season of deadly motor vehicle crashes related to speed and DWI. However, at 6 p.m. across the region, the traditionally deadly “Blackout Wednesday” was turned blue.
Patrol cars were simultaneously stationed at 6 p.m. at the exact location where someone has died or been seriously injured, with blue lights flashing for five minutes. Officers not on call also pulled off into a safe location at 6 p.m. and turned on their blue lights for five minutes this year.
HIWASSEE DAM
Fire hits attraction
A fire last month in the maintenance building at Fields of the Wood off of N.C. 294 damaged or destroyed vehicles, non-tip mowers, tools, chairs and other valuable resources.
The building will have to be torn down, according to officials at the local attraction, which brings thousands of tourists to Cherokee County every year. Donations to acquire new equipment are being sought online at fowrenew.org.
CHEROKEE COUNTY
Medicare scam here
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of a Medicare scam that could be making its way around the area.
According to a release, a citizen received a suspicious medical package in the mail that neither her nor her doctor requested. Investigation revealed that the items were associated with a company in Florida that had ties to Daniel Hurt, a former businessman convicted of defrauding millions of dollars from the Medicare system for submitting false claims for genetic cancer screenings.
If you or anyone you know receives anything similar, call the sheriff’s office at 828-837-2589 to ensure it’s legitimate. In addition, check on older relatives to protect them from becoming a victim.
Compiled by Publisher David Brown. Email Law & Order items to dbrown@cherokeescout.com.