An individual claiming to work in the warrants division for local sheriff’s departments is leading to warnings from the actual authorities.

According to Cpl. Sarah Hardin with the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department an individual referring to himself as “Lt. Lewis or Dep. Matt Gildon” has been callling individuals and telling them that he works in the warrants division of the sheriff’s department.

“The male caller then tells the person he has special permission from a judge to contact individuals about their warrant and that the individual needs to go to Wal-Mart or Walgreens, get a money order, and then the male caller will give the individual instructions how to send the money order,” Hardin said. “This is a scam.”

It’s a scam that has been taking place in Buchanan and Clinton counties.

“If the individual calls the male’s number back there is a very professional and legitimate sounding voicemail,” Hardin said. “Do not be fooled by this caller or voicemail.”

Hardin said the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department does not call individuals with warrants and ask them to send a money order.

“Do not give an individual any personal information like date of birth, social security number, or credit/debit card information over the phone,” she said.