A new phone scam involving the use of either pre-paid money cards or a credit or debit card is currently targeting registered sex offenders, according to a news release from the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.
The caller, allegedly a person claiming to be with the HCSO named Officer Davenport, tells them their DNA is not currently on file and that they will need to pay $1,500 for a DNA test in order to avoid being prosecuted and/or jail time. Others have been told by the caller that their original test was not completed correctly and must be redone to avoid jail time or criminal prosecution, the release states.
The caller either arranges a location to meet the offender or asks for payment which is usually in the form of VISA/Master Card. If on the phone, the caller keeps the offender on the line as they run the card and then remotely enters the card number while on the phone with the offender.
Sex offender registry personnel have been notified that various registered sex offenders have received the phone call, and at least one offender has been swindled out of about $3,000, according to the release.
The HCSO is urging any registered sex offenders in Hamilton County who receive a phone call from a person saying they are with the HCSO Sex Offender Registry Office other than their normal case worker to notify their case agent immediately.
It's not clear how the caller obtained contact information for various offenders, but the scam is currently under investigation by the HCSO, the release states.