Mount Vernon Police are warning residents to be on alert after reports of fraudulent phone calls from individuals posing as department personnel. In a Facebook post, officials stressed that the department will never call residents to request money or payment of any kind.
Scammers have been contacting community members and pretending to represent the police while attempting to solicit money.
“The Mount Vernon Police Department will never call you and ask for money over the phone,” the advisory stated.
Residents are urged not to provide any personal or financial information if they receive such calls. Instead, they should hang up immediately and verify the information directly with the department by calling 740‑397‑2222.
Police emphasized that legitimate communication from the department will never involve demands for payment. By reporting suspicious calls, residents can help ensure scams are documented and investigated, while also protecting themselves from potential financial loss. Authorities are asking the public to share the warning widely to help safeguard neighbors, friends, and family members. Community awareness, they noted, is one of the most effective defenses against fraud.
Statewide, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office has previously cautioned that scammers often impersonate government agencies or businesses such as the IRS, Social Security, or online retailers. They may claim you owe money, that your account has been locked, or that they need personal details to update files. Caller ID can be manipulated to make the number appear legitimate. Red flags include pressure to act immediately, requests for payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency, and instructions not to tell friends or family. “These are sure signs of a scam. Hang up immediately!” the Attorney General’s office advises.
This month, the Attorney General's Office released another advisory to warn the public about impostor scams involving fake jury duty fines, arrest warrants, or traffic penalties. Fraudsters send texts, emails, or even stage online “hearings” to demand payment, sometimes impersonating judges or sheriffs. Victims are told to pay with gift cards, QR codes, or cryptocurrency. Officials stress that real courts and law enforcement will never demand payment through these methods. Jury duty notices are sent by mail, not by phone, text, or email.
Residents can report scams at www.OhioProtects.org or by calling 800‑282‑0515 and should contact Mount Vernon Police directly at 740‑397‑2222 to verify suspicious calls.
