JANESVILLE — The Rock County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of additional recent fraudulent telephone calls to citizens, Sheriff Curtis N. Fell wrote in a press release March 15.

In the fraudulent calls, a male identifies himself as Deputy Sam Billings with the Rock County Sheriff’s Office Fraud Department. The caller asks to check accounts to make sure there is no fraudulent activity. 

“These phone calls are obviously fraudulent in nature, and we want to continue to ensure the public at no time will the Rock County Sheriff’s Office or any of its representatives call people asking to check their accounts,” Fell said.  

The Rock County Sheriff’s Office was also made aware of another fraudulent phone call from a caller claiming to be “Deputy Hall from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.” The male caller stated the reporting person had failed to appear for jury duty in Columbia County. The caller stated warrants were issued through the Rock County Sheriff’s Office for failing to appear for jury duty. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of this activity. 

The Rock County Sheriff’s Office encourages the public to let their family and friends know about these scam telephone calls. Anyone receiving calls of this nature should report it to the Rock County Communication Center by dialing (608) 757-2244.  

“As a friendly reminder, people should always use caution and be reminded not to give out any personal identifying information, credit card or banking information, pay monies or purchase gift cards unless they can verify it’s from a trusted source,” Fell said.