POLSON — Local citizens should be on alert following a series of related scam phone calls in the area. Undersheriff Dan Yonkin says that “people are getting calls from callers claiming to be from some government entity… [and] advising people that there’s a warrant out for either themselves or a loved one.” The calls then warn that the individuals will be arrested unless a fine is paid.

“It’s enough of a scare tactic for a law-abiding citizen to want to pay their fine,” says Yonkin, noting that the department has received a couple of payments related to the scam that measure in the thousands of dollars.

“This is a problem,” Yonkin said of the persistent offenses. “These entities don’t handle their business by phone,” Yonkin reminded citizens.