FCSD issues scam alert, adds beware of "Forest" and "Forrest"

(The following is a press release from the Forrest County Sheriff's Department.)

Forrest County, Miss.- Forrest County Sheriff Charlie Sims is warning the public of an ongoing scam, attempting to solicit funds from individuals, claiming they have unpaid fines or a failure to appear warrant, and will be arrested.

Callers are posing as members of the FCSO, calling from a number that is from “Forest” Mississippi. Forest, MS is not Forrest County. The caller claims to be Officer Taylor, badge number 4475. Some of the numbers calling are 601-564-0370, 601-329-2336, and 601-564-0370.

Sheriff Sims said, “This is a scam, and you should never give anyone your personal information, bank details or your credit card information. Also, never purchase a money card and read the numbers to an individual over the phone for a means of payment.” The Sheriff went on to say, “Yesterday these scammers were claiming to be from Hattiesburg, PD and today they are claiming to be sheriff’s deputies; it’s all a ruse.”

Please be aware of this ongoing fraud, and if you have any question, please contact the Forrest County Sheriff’s Department or your local law enforcement agency.