LISBON — Columbiana County Sheriff Brian McLaughlin announced Tuesday that there’s a scam being perpetrated on residents by a recorded call claiming to be the sheriff’s office, with an option to leave a message for loan forgiveness.

The sheriff issued a press release to make residents aware of the situation after receiving multiple complaints on Tuesday regarding the scam call. Messages with call back numbers were left by the recorded message, with the number currently 330-237-9135, which he said of course is subject to change.

“If you call the number a recording says it is the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office and if it is an emergency hang up and call 911. There is then an option to leave a message for loan forgiveness,” the press release said.

McLaughlin noted that the 24-hour number for the sheriff’s office is 330-424-7255 and in an emergency, call 911. The administration phone number is 330-424-1104.

“The sheriff’s office will not call you for money to settle any sort of case over the phone. This is a scam and anytime you are asked for payment to our office you will have notice of the legal matter you are involved in, sheriff sales as an example, and obviously you know if you bid on a property. Other money such as court cases are handled through the Clerk of Courts and not by phone calls telling you to make a payment over the phone,” the press release said.