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The Washington County Sheriff's Office and the Bartlesville Police Department has received reports of suspects spoofing local law enforcement phone numbers in order to defraud victims.

If you get a suspicious call, Sheriff Scott Owen said you should call local law enforcement immediately. He said you should not pass up an opportunity to let them try and make a difference.

Sheriff Owen wanted the citizens of Washington County known that they are there to serve you. He said they are going to do their best to solve the crimes. He said they can get there with a team effort.

The callers claim to be officers and spoof legitimate numbers to add credibility. The caller advises victims they have a warrant issued for their arrest for a variety of reasons. The caller will threaten and attempt to intimidate the victim in order to gain compliance.

The callers typically want payment through Green dot cards or other cards purchased at stores or they may possibly demand bank information. Legitimate Law Enforcement Agencies and government entities will not act in this manner. If a caller wants you to pay with gift cards or demands bank information, the Sheriff's Office and the BPD says the call is fraudulent.

You are asked to be aware of these fraudulent calls as they will try to utilize seemingly correct information to trick the victim. You are advised to hang up immediately and call dispatch at 918.338.4001 and report the incident. You can call the Sheriff's Office at 918.332.4000. CrimeStoppers can be reached if you call 918.336.2583.