JANESVILLE — Rock County has experienced a continued trend this summer of scam callers impersonating local sheriff’s deputies. Most recently, on Aug. 11, Sheriff Curtis N. Fell and Sergeant David E. Rossmiller sent out yet another press release that involved four residents that received phony phone calls.

“Over the past couple days, the Rock County Communications Center reported phone calls from four citizens throughout Rock County indicating they received scam calls from Sergeant Rossmiller with the Rock County Sheriff’s Office,” the press release stated. “In each case, the caller is a male, with a southern accent and has left messages for some people indicating they need to return his call regarding an urgent legal matter. The calls also came from the same phone number which appears to be an untraceable voiceover IP number likely spoofed from the internet.”

In one instance, the scammer advised a man he had missed a court proceeding in federal court. When the caller hung up the phone and the impersonator called back, the caller ID showed 608-757-8000, which is the main directory line to the Rock County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies and investigators from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office sometimes schedule meetings over the phone, authorities said. 

“Furthermore, the Sheriff’s Office would never take bond for a warrant over the phone or accept gift cards as currency to post a bond. In the recent past suspects have used the names of other current Rock County Sheriff’s Office employees in attempts to defraud people,” the press release added.

In the event any citizens have received any recent calls similar in nature, or anytime someone receives a call where the origin and validity seem questionable, notify the Rock County Sheriff’s Office on the non-emergency line at 608-757-2244.