Cleveland Co. Sheriff Warns Of Impersonator Phone Scam

The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) is warning residents of a man reportedly impersonating a deputy and trying to solicit money over the phone.

The caller identified himself as Deputy Chris Noel. CCSO does employ a deputy with the same name, but investigators said he has not made any calls of this nature.

The caller told the citizen that there was a warrant for that person's arrest and instructed them to get a Green DOT Charge Card at a retail store.

After getting the card, the person was to call back at a number listed to arrange to give the card to the caller. It would allegedly be used to pay off any fines associated with the warrant.

The impersonator told the citizen if they refused, the warrant would be activated and the citizen would be arrested.

After receiving the call, the citizen reported it to CCSO on Tuesday.

Authorities said similar scams have already been reported in the last three months.

Sheriff Joe Lester said all CCSO deputies carry their identification on them. Always ask to see an ID if there is question about the person claiming to be a law enforcement officer.

“Our department is very concerned about this latest report of someone impersonating a Cleveland County Sheriff's deputy,” Lester said. “If you receive a call from this individual, hang up and immediately call the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office and report it. Do not send this person money for any reason or meet him in public.”

The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office can be reached at (405) 701-8888.