Delaware County officials are warning the public that convincing scam calls are coming into local numbers, asking for money in exchange for not being arrested on a local warrant.  IPR’s Stephanie Wiechmann reports.

According to the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department, the scam caller will say there’s been a warrant issued for a person’s arrest, then ask for a “cash bond” to keep the person from being arrested.  The caller stays on the line to arrange a meeting to collect money in cash or as gift cards.

Court Administrator Emily Anderson says callers are giving convincing details.

“They are specifically using [Delaware County Circuit Court] Judge [Kimberly] Dowling’s name.  They are specifically using names from the sheriff’s department.  It is a scam.”

Delaware County officials say they would never call and ask someone to post a cash bond over the phone.  And the county would never take a gift card in payment of bond.

If you get one of these calls, Anderson says to hang up and call the Delaware County court.