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LINCOLNTON, N.C. – Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies continue to investigate incidents of phone scams and email scams.

On February 21, 2024 a suspect called a Lincoln County residence and left a voice mail claiming to be Investigator Loughlin of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.  The suspect’s call spoofed the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line of 704-732-9050. 

The victim returned the call on a different number left by the scammer and the suspect identified himself as officer Loughlin.  No one by that name works for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.   The suspect stated the victim had a court summons that may be eligible for dismissal.  The victim set up an account to make payments to the suspect including a $230 payment while on the phone.

Law enforcement does not accept money to cancel a warrant, a summons or an order for arrest.  All warrants are served in person and not by telephone.  Citizens should not provide any personal identifying information over the phone or purchase any money cards or exchange any money in reference to such calls.

First things first, hang up the phone without providing information or taking any action.  You may be pressured to stay on the phone but you should resist and hang up.

In North Carolina, court officials and law enforcement officers never make phone calls to threaten arrest and warn you of an impending arrest for failing to appear in court.

It is a scam and all you need to do is hang up the phone.

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