Threatening deputy is just a phone scam

FORT PAYNE, Alabama (WDEF) – The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating one of their own.

At least that is what callers are telling them.

On Tuesday, the department got several calls about the so-called Sgt Matthews.

If seems he has been calling residents and telling them they missed court.

So they need to use a pre-paid Wal-Mart card to pay off their fine or they will be arrested.

But there is no “Sergeant Wayne Matthews.”

It’s a scam.

They say this is a version of the IRS scam where a caller tries to brow-beat you into giving them money to avoid penalties.

Sheriff Jimmy Harris says “If anyone received this or any other phone call like this please be aware that this is a scam. The Sheriff’s Office definitely do not ask for money or pre-paid cards from Wal-Mart or anywhere. The Sheriff’s Office also does not collect any fines or cash bonds that money is paid and handled though the circuit clerk’s office.”