Circuit court clerk warns of scam

Published 11:51 am Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Chilton County Circuit Court Clerk Glenn McGriff is warning residents about a scam phone call circulating in Chilton County.

“I am hoping we can get the word out because this is not how we handle things in our office,” McGriff said. “There are starting to be more of these calls and I hope people will be aware.”

McGriff said individuals have reported receiving a phone call with the same telephone number as the clerk’s office.

Once individuals answer the call, the person claims that money must be paid to the court system by a certain time or a warrant will be issued for their arrest.

“What is alarming is that the number is showing up on people’s phones as our telephone number, but we would never issue a warrant for someone’s arrest,” McGriff said. “People aren’t going to get a phone call from us saying they owe money. That just isn’t going to happen. We will also not issue warrant information over the telephone.”

McGriff said one individual saved the recording on his phone and brought it by McGriff’s office to hear.

“I am just worried people are going to think it is our office calling them and end up paying the money,” McGriff said. “The recording I listened to told this person they needed to pay $3,300 by the end of the day or a warrant would be issued for their arrest. People just need to be aware that this is a scam.”

Anyone who believes they might have been affected by the scam should call the Chilton County Sheriff’s Department and report the call.

To reach the sheriff’s department, call (205) 755-4698.

McGriff said individuals can also call his office to let him know if they have received calls posing as the Chilton County Clerk’s Office at (205) 755-4275.

“I would just like to know if more people are receiving these calls,” McGriff said. “These people are trying to take advantage of the residents in this area and we are trying to prevent it.”