Stanly County Sheriff's Office launches phone app as crime-fighting tool – The Stanly News & Press

A “scam alert” appeared on cell phones in the area at 2:35 p.m. Monday.

At least that's the case on phones with the Stanly County Sheriff's Office's new app.

The Sheriff's Office released the Stanly Sheriff app this month as a new tool to help fight crime and keep the public informed.

Sheriff Jeff Crisco said data indicates more people use apps on their phones than social media.

The ministry has therefore made a downloadable application available.

“It’s just another way for us to get information out to the community,” Crisco said. “It links directly to our social media and website.”

It includes places where residents can submit feedback, check the sex offender registry, apply for a concealed handgun permit, apply for a job and request a home check.

“They can share tips anonymously,” Crisco said.

More features will be added.

“It’s been a huge hit with sheriff’s offices across the state,” Crisco said.

As for the scam alert, the sheriff's office warns individuals that there are “ongoing telephone scams in which suspects pose as members of law enforcement to coerce victims into giving them money “.

According to the Sheriff's Office app, “scams can vary, but typically the caller identifies themselves as a law enforcement officer and falsely tells the victim that a warrant has been issued because she missed a court date, so she didn't show up to the jury. have to pay a late fine or something similar, and they will be arrested if they don't pay immediately.

The sheriff's office emphasizes that it will never ask for money over the phone. People who think they may have been scammed can call the office at 704-986-3714.

BJ Drye is managing director/editor of The Stanly News & Press. Call 704-982-2123.