The Vicksburg Police Department is warning residents of a telephone scam circulating in the area and advising locals to report any suspicious phone calls.

“We’ve received reports that individuals are making phone calls posing as members of the Vicksburg Police Department, claiming that the person they’re calling has warrants,” VPD officials said in a statement. “The caller then instructs the victim to send money via Venmo to ‘clear up’ the warrants.”

Chief of Police Penny Jones said VPD will never make phone calls to residents about warrants and will never solicit funds over the phone.

“This is a scam,” VPD said. “The Vicksburg Police Department – and all legitimate law enforcement agencies – will never call demanding payment over the phone, or ask you to send money through Venmo, CashApp, gift cards or any instant transfer method.”

During Monday’s meeting of the Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Alderman, Jones said this scam specifically targets elderly residents.

“I was really concerned because this goes out to a lot of our elderly people, and they may be afraid,” Jones said. “And some people, they may try to send people money. So just be aware, this is not the Vicksburg Police Department.”

To report possibly fraudulent telephone calls, VPD may be reached at 601-636-2511.