Beware New Scam

Beware of a reported scam!

On June 17, 2026, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to investigate a reported fraud incident that was received by telephone.

The complainant advised that approximately 30 minutes earlier, they received a phone call from an individual whose caller ID displayed the Burke County Sheriff’s Office phone number (828-438-5500). The caller identified himself as Sheriff Banks Hinceman and stated that he needed to discuss sensitive information. The caller instructed the complainant to take notes and report to the Sheriff’s Office within one hour or face legal consequences.

Approximately 15 minutes later, the caller contacted the complainant again and stated that, since they did not believe the complainant was going to report to the Sheriff’s Office, they would proceed with the necessary paperwork.

The complainant advised that the caller never requested money and that the conversation ended before any financial demands were made. The complainant became suspicious of the call and believed it to be fraudulent.

No financial loss was reported