Forsyth County Warns of AI Phone Scams Impersonating Officers, Demanding Gift Cards

Forsyth County residents are receiving phone calls from people impersonating Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office officers and demanding payment by gift card, sometimes starting at $4,000, local outlets report. The sheriff’s office warning comes amid what investigators describe as rising fraud reports and growing sophistication in scam tactics.

Sheriff Bobby F. Kimbrough Jr. reiterated the office’s policy that legitimate deputies will not demand money over the phone. “The FCSO will not ask for any form of monetary payment over the phone for things such as missed jury duty, warrants, etc.,” the sheriff told ABC45, underscoring that callers seeking payments are likely criminals.

A detailed description of the scam appeared in WFDD, which reported scammers using the names of local officers to pressure targets. WFDD quoted Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough describing callers’ scripts: “They'll say, 'Here's what I need for you to do in order to avoid us placing you under arrest,' says Kimbrough. 'I need for you to go get a gift card, place X amount of money on it.' They'll start at $4,000. If you can't do that, we'll take payments and increments. And they'll drop the number based on what you say you can afford to pay.” WFDD also reported that callers have impersonated Captain Dwayne Little.

Local coverage from WFDD and ABC45 framed the warnings as particularly prominent during the holiday season, and WFDD noted that older residents are often targeted. WXII 12 News and Weather similarly cautioned that the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is aware of calls using officers’ names and advised residents not to provide personal information or payments to callers claiming to be law enforcement.

Law enforcement and local news sources urge immediate steps if you receive a suspicious call: hang up, do not provide personal information, and do not make any payment. Victims should contact their bank and local law enforcement. ABC45 provided the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office reporting number as 336-727-2112 for tips or information related to suspected scams.

Separately, local investigators warned that scammers are using new technologies and artificial intelligence to develop more convincing schemes, and they urged vigilance as fraud reports increase. News presentations varied by outlet: WFDD’s story included a photo described as a woman holding a mobile phone with an incoming call from an unknown caller, and WXII ran a video segment with additional coverage.

Forsyth County officials say investigations and public alerts will continue as the sheriff’s office tracks complaints. Officials stress that any phone demand for money tied to missed jury duty or alleged warrants is a red flag and not a valid law-enforcement procedure.