Allegheny County Sheriff's Office warns of scam involving fake court papers, fake fines

People identifying themselves as sheriff’s deputies are using fake court paperwork to try to scam Pittsburghers out of money, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday.

“They are identifying themselves as sheriff’s office deputies and requesting that people pay a fine for ignoring a subpoena to appear as an expert witness in federal court,” said Mike Manko, a spokesman for Sheriff Kevin M. Kraus. “The person is told that failing to pay the fine immediately by phone or text will result in their arrest.

“Our office never discusses any sort of warrant over the phone and we never attempt to collect fines or other monies over the phone,” Manko added. “Additionally, the only people responsible for serving warrants involving federal court are the United States Marshals Service.”

The Sheriff’s Office provided a copy of a fake warrant that is being used by the scammers to try to solicit money and personal information from victims.

Authorities do not believe any area residents have fallen victim to the scheme, Manko said.

If anyone gets approached by phone, text or email by people claiming to be with the Sheriff’s Office, they should call the Sheriff’s Office’s investigations division at 412-350-4709, Manko said.

“These types of scams are difficult to charge absent any victims, due to the fact that it’s extremely difficult to figure out where and from whom the scam is originating,” Manko said.