PLATTE COUNTY – “Scam:” a verb meaning to deceive and defraud someone; to obtain (something, such as money) by scam. This is the definition, according to Merriam-Webster dictionary, of phone activity still occurring in the local area.
Platte County Sheriff’s Department has been trying to get the word out to locals, their phone number is still appearing on caller-I.D. connected to scammers attempting to appear as if they are representing local law enforcement and needing personal information.
“We have had a lot of people call in today about these calls again, and it is coming from our phone number,” said a PCSD Facebook post dated Sept. 5. “It is a scam – please make sure not to give any information to them or any money. We will not call you about warrants. Please make sure to let family and friends know that might not have social media.”

A comment posted by Amanda Hopsecker said, “Yeah, I got one a while back. I googled it and found the information they were using, even their name was all listed in an article from another state about these calls. The number I was called from was like a state police number from Wyoming. He was very demanding, but I told him I would need to call him back. Then I researched and never called back. Neither did he.”
If you think you have been contacted by someone you think may be actually representing the sheriff’s office, hang up and dial the sheriff’s or police department directly.
Sheriff David Russel confirmed in June – when the scam-style started being reported in the county – no legitimate deputy of the sheriff’s department will call concerning warrants for arrest or citations, nor ask for payment. Local phone numbers and names of local law enforcement have been mentioned in these calls, and they can appear real, when they are not.
There have also been reports from of organizations trying to solicit donations for local police departments. Don’t be scammed. To make donations, contact the legitimate organization directly.
Anyone interested in more information about identifying scams or fraud, or how it can be reported can go to consumerfinance.gov or the FBI’s dedicated webpage (www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety). Scams can also be reported to a local law enforcement agency.