Police in Putnam County are warning residents about a phone scam that they have been receiving complaints about.

Sheriff Kevin J. McConville says several county residents have reported receiving phone calls from a male subject impersonating a member of the Sheriff’s Office.

The man has been calling residents, stating he is “Sergeant Jason Cooke” from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office at 3 County Center in Carmel. The scammer states they are facing legal consequences for failing to comply with a prior or current criminal matter and that they are required to post monetary bail in lieu of being arrested. The caller also states that to avoid being arrested, they must pay their bail by purchasing gift cards and provide the code numbers to the cards.

Sheriff McConville says that police would never call and ask residents for money or to purchase gift cards to satisfy a legal matter. “Sergeant Jason Cooke” is a fictitious name used by the caller, and there is no one employed at the Sheriff’s Office with that name.

If you are contacted, please call (845) 225-4300.