Government Impersonation Scams Rise Across US

Law enforcement agencies across multiple states are warning residents about a surge in scams where fraudsters impersonate government officials (including sheriffs, courts, and county departments) to extort money from victims through false claims of legal obligations or warrants. Local sheriff's offices and county officials are actively alerting the public to verify communications and avoid payment demands from suspicious sources.

This is a long-running storyline that has developed over 11 days. The homepage highlights its most recent activity, so the outlet count there reflects the latest wave. The totals above cover the full run.