On Thursday, March 25, 2010, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department started receiving phone calls from citizens in regards to phone calls being received from someone who was stating that they were collecting donations for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.
In regards to these phone calls, the Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigation Division has learned that the caller is blocking their number on caller I.D. and that the caller is stating that they are collecting money and/or accepting donations for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department to raise money for bullet proof vests or other equipment.
The caller will then ask the citizen or business representative how much money they would like to donate. Then when the citizen or business representative begins to ask the caller for a number to call back and/or a contact name, the caller will then hang up. It is believed that the caller is attempting to gain personal information, checking account information, credit card information or debit card information.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department has, in the past, collected money or asked for donations from the citizens and businesses in Jackson County for various projects related to the Sheriff’s Department or the Arkansas Sheriff’s Association. However, this has always been done in person by a uniformed officer of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and will continue to be done in person and will NEVER be done over the phone.
If any citizen or business in Jackson County receives such a call regarding someone collecting donations for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department for equipment or other similar project, they are urged NOT to provide the caller with any personal information including their social security number, drivers license number, date of birth or any bank or credit card information. Also, if any citizen or business has any questions regarding this matter, they may contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department at (870) 523-5842.