Over the past few days, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has received at least three reports of suspicious activity that may lead to a potential scam.
According to information received by deputies, a caller claiming to be “Lt. Hickey” from the Sheriff’s Office has told people to report to the Sheriff’s Office to take care of issues with subpoenas. There is no Lt. Hickey employed at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
The caller made no threat of arrest and did not demand money, which is unusual as these types of calls generally involve those two circumstances.
However, the caller does insist on meeting immediately at the Sheriff’s Office to rectify the situation, so it may be a ruse to have people leave their residences unoccupied.
The Sheriff’s Office once again reminds citizens that these types of issues are not handled by telephone. If a call sounds suspicious, hang up the phone, research the correct number, and verify the situation or call Hamilton County Public Safety Communications at (317) 773-1282 to speak to an officer or deputy.
Do not be pressured into responding over the phone and do not rely on callback numbers provided. Names may be researched on the internet and technology allows numbers to be spoofed, so always use due diligence in responding to calls of this nature.