The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office would like to inform the public about a telephone scam that is occurring in our community. The victims have received telephone calls from an individual that identifies himself as an attorney by the name of Dennis Mitchell. The subject advises the victims that a family member, typically a grandson, has been involved in a traffic accident involving an open container and has been arrested in New York.
The suspect generally has some type of personal information about the victims or their family member that leads the victims to think the call is authentic. The subject then advises the victim that their family member needs bond money in order to be released from custody. The bond amount stated generally starts around $8,000 or $9,000. If the victim advises that they don’t have that much money the suspect will begin to negotiate a lower monetary amount. The suspect then request the victims to Fed Ex cash or wire the money to him.
If you receive this type of call DO NOT send any money or provide any of your personal information to this individual. Ask what facility the family member is allegedly incarcerated in so you can call that facility and verify whether the family member is actually there. Take the time to call the identified family member that has allegedly been arrested or check with other family members before taking any action. Unfortunately, many times the money that is sent is not able to be recovered.
If you receive a call similar to this you can contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at (850)482-9648 and make an information report documenting the fraudulent call.
