The Upper Macungie Township Police Department has identified an increase in scam phone calls from individuals falsely claiming to represent the Lehigh County Sheriff’s Office.

These callers often use aggressive or threatening language in an attempt to pressure victims into paying fraudulent fines.

This scam has already affected several Upper Macungie Township residents.

Typically, the caller identifies himself as a deputy – sometimes even using the name of a real sheriff’s office employee – and may create background noise that mimics police radio traffic to make the call seem legitimate.

The scammer often claims the victim has missed jury duty and must now pay a fine.

In some cases, the scammer directs the victim to report to the courthouse, only to later redirect them elsewhere.

The call usually ends with the scammer instructing the victim to deposit “fine money” into a Bitcoin ATM, costing victims thousands of dollars before they realize they have been deceived.

All residents are urged to exercise caution if they receive a phone call from anyone claiming to be law enforcement and demanding payment.

Scammers will do everything they can to keep you on the line – including making threats – because they know the scam unravels once you contact police.

Law enforcement will never call you to demand payment.

If you receive one of these calls, please hang up immediately and contact Upper Macungie Township Police non-emergency number at 610-437-5252.

If you have questions or concerns, contact Lt. Peter Nickischer at pnickischer@uppermac-pd.org or 484-661-5911.