BAY MINETTE, Alabama -- The Baldwin County Sheriff's Office has again received several complaints regarding an individual claiming to be a ranking deputy with the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office. This scammer is calling residents, telling them that they received a “citation,” and he is asking that the fines be paid over the phone or by utilizing a prepaid debit card.

“We have received complaints in the recent past of scammers identifying themselves as a Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office deputy, and informing residents that they missed jury duty, there is a warrant for their arrest, or they missed court for a traffic violation,” according to a release issued Thursday by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.

The scammer leads the victim to believe that the only way to resolve the issue is to send money to the scammer. These scams are well thought out and the caller often provides a telephone number to call back in an effort to appear legitimate. You may even hear a recording indicating that you have reached the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.

“We are urging our citizens to be aware that this is a scam,” according to the release. “The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office will never request personal information over the phone or in a voicemail. We will not ask anyone to pay any fines for traffic citations, for missing jury duty or for any other reason.”

The Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating this scam, and if anyone has been a victim of this or any other scam please contact the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office at 251-937-0202.