BENTON – Franklin County Sheriff Kyle Bacon is warning residents about two scams circulating in our area so you won’t fall for either one.

The first involves a received text message with the title, “Department of Motor Vehicles – Official Pay Notice.” This text message informs the recipient that they must pay their E-Z Pass toll charges for an indicated date. The message warns that failure to pay will result in additional fines and the suspension of driving privileges. The text contains a website link where the recipient is directed to pay the fines/fees. If you receive this message do not redirect to the website or respond via text to the message. It is a scam.

The second scam involves someone calling residents saying they are a Franklin County Sheriff’s Office employee. The caller states that the recipient’s family member, who is actually incarcerated, has been approved to be taken to a drug treatment center. The caller states that the inmate must be fitted for an ankle monitor, and as a result, the family is responsible for paying the electronic monitoring fee. The caller then requests that $1,200 be deposited via a “crypto currency machine” at a local convenience store.

At no time and under no circumstance will anyone from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office contact you and make this type of request. If you receive a call of this nature, please contact the sheriff’s office.