SCAM: The victim was contacted by a male, claiming to be associated with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, and told he had arrested a employee of the victim’s but would not release the arrestee’s name, citing a HIPAA violation. The victim provided the name of a current employee and the suspect confirmed that was the person who had been arrested. The victim was requested to wire bail money in the amount of $600 to Orlando Florida – the money was claimed immediately.
INFORMATION: The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is not involved with the attempt to collect or request bail money. These transactions are handled directly by the arrestee or through a bail bonds company. The arrest of anyone is public information and may be provided by law enforcement without violating the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
