Sheriff's Office warns of phone scam

COEUR d'ALENE — The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office has been informed of recent scam calls within the community.

Multiple victims have reported being called from a phone number matching the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office. The callers claim to be captains from the Sheriff’s Office.

Individuals are told they have an expired registration and must pay a fee to have it removed. Similar calls have been received where the caller claims they need to pay a fee or a warrant will be issued for their arrest, or increased penalties.

"The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public that we will not contact you by phone to collect payments for fees or other services," said a news release. "The Sheriff’s Office also encourages member of the community to be cautious before sending money or providing any personal or financial information over the telephone."

Community members are encouraged to report all fraudulent schemes to the FBI fraud website at www.ic3.gov.