Scammers are calling people at home and requesting money because they have warrants for their arrest, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

Chief Deputy Mike Lambert said Wednesday afternoon the scammers are calling people and identifying themselves as the ECSO.

Lambert said the scammers tell those on the phone that they have a warrant for their arrest and have two hours to wire some money.

Lambert said the ECSO has received several reports of the scammers, and in each instance, the scammers are requesting between $200-$300.

“They’re giving the substation in Atmore’s number — 368-4779 — as a call back number,” he said. “When somebody checks, it looks legit.”

Lambert said that isn’t how the ECSO operates when it contacts people who have warrants.

“We may call you and tell you that you have a warrant on you, and tell you to turn yourself in, but we don’t collect any money,” Lambert said. “We don’t collect any money. That’s now how we conduct business.”

Lambert said the ECSO has looked and ran the numbers the scammers are calling from, and they have been determined to be Internet numbers. The numbers have already been reported to the phone companies, along with their scams, he said.

“They’re on the scam list,” he said. “Most of the time we don’t call you, and tell you you have a warrant on you,” he said. “Most of the time we come and knock on your door.”

Lambert said it’s hard to make an arrest on these types of cases, and for those who are concerned or would like to report the scam, call the ECSO at 251-867-0304.