CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA – The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a new phone scam targeting concealed carry permit applicants and holders.
According to a public alert issued by the Sheriff’s Office, scammers are calling individuals while falsely claiming to represent the department’s Firearms and Licensing Division. The caller tells victims they must complete a test for their concealed carry license over the phone and then requests payment information.
Officials say the claims are completely false.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that it does not conduct licensing business in this manner. There is no test required to apply for a License to Carry Firearms, and the department never requests payment over the phone.
The official application process requires applicants to either complete paperwork in person and pay in person or apply online through the county’s third-party provider, Permitium, where payment is processed securely during the application.
Authorities advise anyone who receives a suspicious call not to provide personal information or payment details. Residents should instead contact the Sheriff’s Office directly at 717-240-7743 to verify whether a call is legitimate.
Millions Exercise Concealed Carry Rights Nationwide
Millions of Americans lawfully carry firearms under state permit systems, making concealed carry a normal part of exercising Second Amendment rights. Unfortunately, scammers sometimes attempt to exploit that large population by posing as officials.
Criminals often rely on urgency and confusion about licensing requirements to pressure victims into quick payments. Calls that demand immediate action or request payment over the phone are common warning signs of a scam.
Gun owners should remember that legitimate law enforcement agencies follow clearly defined procedures and do not collect licensing payments through unsolicited phone calls.
Awareness Is Part of Responsible Carry
Lawful concealed carry involves more than understanding firearm safety and state laws. It also requires awareness of attempts to exploit gun owners through misinformation or fraud.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to verify any licensing communication directly through official channels and to report suspicious activity. Staying informed helps protect personal information and prevents scammers from taking advantage of responsible citizens.
As concealed carry remains a lawful exercise of a fundamental constitutional right, protecting permit holders from fraud is another part of ensuring that responsible Americans can safely and confidently exercise their Second Amendment freedoms without interference from criminals posing as authorities.
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