Ross County residents should be aware of phone calls appearing from 740-773-1186, a number associated with the Ross County Sheriff’s Office business line.
Callers have been reported asking for money to post the bond of a friend or relative. These calls are scams. Sheriff George W. Lavender Jr. has stated that his office will not ask for money.
The Ross County Sheriff’s Office does not contact people by phone to request payment for bonds, warrants, or related matters. Scammers often use caller ID spoofing to make the number appear legitimate.
If you receive such a call, hang up immediately. Do not provide personal or financial information or send any money. Report the call to the sheriff’s office by dialing the official 24-hour dispatch number, 740-773-1185, which is listed on the department’s website.
Similar impersonation scams targeting the Ross County Sheriff’s Office have been reported in prior years, with the same consistent advice from the department: legitimate officials will not solicit money over the phone.
Send a tip or correction to info@heritageheadlines.com.
Get the morning stories.
Send a tip or correction to info@heritageheadlines.com, or use the contact page.
How many times was Chillicothe Ohio's state capital?
Today's question. Five seconds to vote, all day to argue about it.
Cast your voteLocal trivia and strong opinions, a new question every day. No sign-up, just vote.
Latest bookings
Vinton County
James David Black
Booked Nov 11, 2026
Vinton County
Harold Dean Withrow
Booked Nov 4, 2026
Vinton County
Gale Phillip Misner
Booked Nov 3, 2026
Individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More from Ross County
Three Jailed on Felony Charges in Ross County
