A Mississippi sheriff’s department reported scammers are using a state agency’s name while contacting people.

The Tunica County Sheriff’s Office provided information Thursday that callers were saying they work with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation while contacting sex offenders. They reportedly often used the name “Detective Ross” while calling.

“The scammers are making phone calls and sending text messages to registered sex offenders, demanding a sum ranging from $2,000 to $5,000,” the release states. “Additionally, these scammers have misled the offenders by asserting that they have failed to watch an introductory video on sex offender registration requirements in Mississippi. They threaten arrest for non-compliance and insist on payment of a nonexistent citation.”

The caller ID numbers are often 601-620-2323, 562-506-8044, and 617-896-7360.

“We are encouraging any sex offenders to verify the legitimacy of any communication from law enforcement agencies by independently contacting their local sheriff’s office or the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation,” the statement reads. “We want to emphasize that official law enforcement agencies do not demand payment over the phone, especially via debit cards. If anyone receives such a call or text, they should NOT provide any personal or financial information and report the incident immediately to your office.”

Tunica County Sheriff’s Office may be reached at 662-363-1411 and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation can be called at 601-933-2627.