A Lakewood-area resident narrowly avoided being scammed after receiving a series of alarming letters and communications from individuals posing as law enforcement officials connected to a sheriff’s office – and the letters were shared with TLS.

According to documents reviewed, the fraudulent notices falsely claimed the resident was involved in federal court matters and demanded immediate payment to avoid legal consequences. The letters were designed to appear official, featuring court-style formatting, case numbers, and government-related language intended to pressure the victim into compliance.

What raised serious red flags, however, were the payment instructions.

Rather than directing funds to legitimate government offices, the scammers instructed the resident to bring money to what appeared to be ordinary convenience store locations — including addresses tied to commercial retail properties rather than any courthouse or law enforcement agency.

Authorities and cybersecurity experts have repeatedly warned that legitimate sheriff’s offices, courts, and government agencies do not collect fines or bonds through convenience stores, prepaid cards, or unofficial third-party locations.

The fake correspondence also included references to “surety cash bonds” and urgent demands for payment prior to arrival, tactics commonly used in scam operations to create fear and rush victims into acting without verification.

Fortunately, the resident became suspicious before handing over any money and sought further review of the documents.

Officials urge the public to remain vigilant. Anyone receiving threats of arrest, demands for immediate payment, or instructions to deliver money to unusual locations should independently verify the claim by contacting the agency directly through official channels.

Residents who believe they have been targeted by a similar scam are encouraged to report the incident to local police and the appropriate consumer protection agencies.

The victim’s identifying information has been redacted for privacy.

This incident comes just days after another local scam – which cost a Lakewood resident approximately $20,000 in cash.