PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE WARNING: TELEPHONE SCAM ALERT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE From: Mike Taylor, Sheriff Date: Februarv 9. 2026 SCAM ALERT- FRAUDULENT CALLS CLAIMING TO BE FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE The Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office is alerting the public to a telephone scam currently targeting local residents. Our 911 Dispatch Center has been made aware that criminals are using spoofing technology to make it appear that calls are coming from the Sheriff's Office main telephone number, (434) 432-7800. In these fraudulent calls, the individual identifies himself as 'Officer Michael Blaine" and falsely claims that the recipient has missed jury duty. The caller instructs the person to stay on the phone while driving to the Sheriff's Office or to provide personal information. In some instances, the caller pressures victims to send money or purchase gift cards to avoid arrest. These calls are not legitimate. The Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office does not notify citizens about jury duty, warrants, or fines by telephone, nor do we ever demand payment or personal identifying information over the phone. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
- Do not provide any personal information, payment, or account details to the caller.
- Hang up immediately if you receive such a call.
- Do not travel to the Sheriff's Office or follow any instructions given by the scammer.
- Report the incident to local law enforcement, or if you are uncertain about the call's legitimacy, contact the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office directly at (434) 432-7800. OUR COMMITMENT The Sheriff's Office is actively investigating these reports and coordinating with state and federal partners to identify those responsible for these unlawful activities. We urge the community to remain vigilant and to share this information with family members, particularly older adults who are often targeted by phone scams.