WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — The Wayne County Day Reporting Center is warning residents to be on alert after multiple reports of scammers impersonating DRC staff and local law enforcement officials in an attempt to extort money from the public.
According to officials, residents have received phone calls and text messages from individuals falsely claiming to represent the Wayne County Day Reporting Center. The scammers reportedly demand payment and, in some cases, even offer to meet victims at the DRC location to collect money in person.
Officials said the scammers are using sophisticated tactics to appear legitimate, including referencing real local law enforcement officers, using residents’ names and home addresses, and mentioning well-known locations in Wayne County, including the Day Reporting Center itself.
The Wayne County Day Reporting Center emphasized that it does not charge fees or request money related to case supervision. Any demand for payment claiming to come from the DRC is fraudulent.
Authorities say some scam messages also include links requesting payment. Residents are urged not to click any suspicious links or send money to anyone claiming to represent the DRC.
Officials advise anyone receiving suspicious calls or messages to hang up immediately and contact the Wayne County Day Reporting Center directly to verify the communication. Residents are also encouraged to report suspected scam activity to local law enforcement agencies.
The warning comes as phone and text scams continue to target communities across North Carolina using increasingly convincing methods.
Here’s what officials recommend residents do if contacted:
- Do not send money to anyone claiming to be from the DRC
- Do not click on payment links sent through text messages
- Verify suspicious communications directly with the DRC
- Report scam calls or messages to local law enforcement
The Wayne County Day Reporting Center says public awareness is key to preventing residents from becoming victims of fraud.
