Perry County Sheriff's Office Warns Residents About Phone Scam

The Perry County Sheriff’s Office issued a public warning on December 6 after several residents reported receiving phone calls from individuals falsely claiming to be deputies and demanding money or personal details. Callers reportedly used names such as "Captain Davenport," "Sergeant Davenport," and "Keith Thomas," and in some cases a second call appeared from a spoofed number that matched the Sheriff’s Office caller ID. The warning advised residents not to provide information, to hang up, and to verify any suspicious contact by calling local dispatch or visiting the sheriff’s office in person.

The immediate risk was financial loss and identity exposure for targeted residents. Scams that impersonate law enforcement typically aim to create urgency and confusion, and the use of caller ID spoofing can amplify trust in the caller. For Perry County, where many residents rely on phone contact for local services and where older adults can be especially vulnerable, the tactic threatens both personal finances and public confidence in official communications.

Beyond individual harm, the incident carries institutional implications. The report highlights the need for stronger public education so residents can recognize common scam tactics, and it recommends cross channel verification for official messages to ensure residents can confirm authenticity. That means local agencies should coordinate to provide consistent guidance across phone, website, and in person channels, and should prioritize outreach to high risk populations such as seniors and those with limited internet access.

For civic engagement, the episode underscores the role of residents in preserving community security. Reporting suspicious calls to the sheriff’s office helps law enforcement identify patterns and warn neighbors. Officials can also use routine public meetings, community centers, and election outreach to reinforce verification practices and reduce the effectiveness of impersonation scams.

Perry County residents should remain vigilant, refuse to provide money or personal information to unsolicited callers, and confirm any official request through known local dispatch numbers or by visiting the sheriff’s office in person. Increased public education and consistent verification protocols will be critical to restoring trust and preventing similar incidents in the future.