About FlashAlert on Twitter:
FlashAlert utilizes the free service Twitter to distribute emergency text messages. While you are welcome to register your cell phone text message address directly into the FlashAlert system, we recommend that you simply "follow" the FlashAlert account for Columbia Co. Sheriff's Office by clicking on the link below and logging in to (or creating) your free Twitter account. Twitter sends messages out exceptionally fast thanks to arrangements they have made with the cell phone companies.
Deputies are investigating a phone scam responsible for defrauding individuals in Columbia County of thousands of dollars.
A preliminary investigation is showing that phone scammers appear to be blanketing Columbia County and surrounding areas demanding money to pay for a phony warrant that was put out for their targeted victim. The scammers claim to be local Law Enforcement, then ask their victims to purchase Trans Union, Green Dot or some other pre-paid multi sourced card. The scammer then asks the victim to give them the card codes over the telephone.
Law Enforcement will NEVER ask for money over the telephone or tell you you have a warrant for your arrest over the telephone. You will not have a warrant for your arrest for "missing jury duty" either. Please just hang up if these scammers call you.