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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

The Clanton Police Department is warning Chilton County residents of an increase in scams callers that are targeting this area.

Lt. Cameron Bates said scam callers are using technology that makes it look like the call is legitimately from CPD, but it is not.

“Offender’s use a “spoofed number” which makes it appear on your caller ID that the call is made from “Clanton Police Department” however, when you call the number, you get CPD and not the Agent that just conned you out of money,” Bates said. “The latest victim was swindled out of $1,500 they were told they had an outstanding warrant, and the fine must be paid now. Clanton Police/Municipal Court will never do this.”

The police department and court system will never call someone “and solicit money to avoid you being prosecuted, arrested, avoid jury duty, pay income tax etc.,” Bates said.

Notices about court fees are sent through the mail. Bates said money owed to the court should be paid in person “never over the phone. Never provide anyone with your personal information.”

Unfortunately, scam callers frequently target older adults.

Bates said most of the time the scam caller is in another country.

“We have no way to apprehend them or prosecute them,” Bates said. “Most of the time the offender is overseas and has taken your money and moved on to someone else before we can figure out what country they are in.”

Other scams to be aware of are callers asking someone to receive a check in the mail and “cash it and mail a certain amount back in the form of a gift card or cashier’s check this too is a scam,” Bates said.