NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – The Sheriff’s Department in Hampshire County is warning residents of a phone call claiming to be their office and demanding money in some cases.

Several Hampshire County residents have reported receiving calls from a person or group of people claiming to be by the Sheriff’s Office. The call does not show up on the caller ID and are told they missed a court appearance and must turn themselves in. Some callers claim to have a judge on the phone in an attempt to extort money.

The Sheriff’s Office says they will never call residents like this and if you receive a similar phone call, hang up and do not call them back. If you receive a fraudulent call, you should report it to your local police department or the Sheriff’s Office at 413-584-5911.

“The duty of the Hampshire Sheriff’s Office is to protect public safety. We want everyone to stay safe, and to remember that my office will never make these kinds of phone calls,” said Sheriff Patrick Cahillane.

The Better Business Bureau says if you ever receive a scheme phone call, don’t provide any information to them and hang up the phone. Some schemes involve displaying any number through caller ID in an attempt to trick you.

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