The Northampton County sheriff is again warning residents of a phone scam.
Northampton County officials said in a news release Wednesday that a man has been calling residents about repaying their Paycheck Protection Program loans.
The caller instructs them on how to repay the loan at secure public kiosk that takes Bitcoin, and tells them if they do not do that they will be arrested immediately, according to the release.
The sheriff’s office does not call residents and solicit money.
Anyone getting these calls should contact the state attorney general’s office at 1-800-441-2555 or at scams@attorneygeneral.gov.
This is the second scam the sheriff’s office has reported over the past few weeks. In January, the county reported that someone was calling residents, pretending to be a member of the sheriff’s office, and telling them they are wanted for failing to appear for a court hearing or jury duty.
That person then instructs residents to send money to him through Venmo, a money transfer application.
Scammers pretending to be law enforcement officials to solicit money have been a common trend lately. Law enforcement in Lehigh and Bucks counties reported it happening last year.
Lehigh County sheriff urges caution after increase in phone scams
