Beware if you get this kind of call. It’s a scammer, St. Clair County authorities say

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents to beware of phone callers who falsely claim to be law enforcement to try to scam people out of money.

The department has received multiple reports of scammers impersonating officers.

St. Clair County Sheriff’s Sgt. James Hendricks said Tuesday the department received at least 10 calls from complainants reporting deceptive practices.

One caller claimed to be Sgt. Chad Hendrix. He told someone that he missed a court date and that a warrant had been issued.

“ The caller advised the individual he owed $4,500, and he needed to go to a Bitcoin kiosk immediately to send the money,” Hendricks said.

“ We would like to remind all of our citizens that we will never contact anyone by phone requesting any type of payment,” Hendricks said. “ We will also never utilize bitcoin as an authorized payment method for any fees.”

Hendricks said the department so far has not had any reports of anyone paying the scammers.