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Sheriff's office warns of aggressive warrant scams; bank intervention cited for stopping losses
Summary
Public information officer Carol Campos and Sheriff Mark J. Daniels described telephone scams that impersonate law enforcement, including a recent attempt where a woman nearly withdrew $10,000 to buy Bitcoin; a local bank manager intervened in a separate case to stop a $6,900 payment.
Cochise County officials used KWCD's First Watch to warn residents about phone scams in which callers spoof the sheriff's office number and demand money for alleged warrants.
Carol Campos, the sheriff's office public information officer and co‑host, described recent cases in which scammers pressured people to transfer funds — including a woman who withdrew $10,000 and was about to use a Bitcoin kiosk before realizing the call was fraudulent. "It was scary the way that they become aggressive," Campos said.
Sheriff Mark J. Daniels and Campos urged residents to hang up and verify alleged warrants through official channels. Daniels praised local bank staff who intervene when they suspect fraud, describing one bank manager who stopped a customer from sending $6,900 after the customer claimed they owed money to the sheriff's office.
Why it matters: Scams that impersonate law enforcement disproportionately target elderly residents and can cause large financial losses. County officials are urging banks and local partners to watch for unusual withdrawal patterns and to contact the sheriff's office when they suspect fraud.
Details and guidance: The hosts said scammers frequently "spoof" caller ID to make the number appear legitimate and pressure victims not to consult others. Officials reiterated that the sheriff's office will not call and demand immediate payment and encouraged residents to use official contact numbers to verify notices.
