David Bartlett, the Columbia County Sheriff, posted on Facebook Jan. 18 a "scam alert." "We have been informed by several people that [a] scam is being done using the Sheriff’s Office number 828-3344. They are identifying themselves as Lt. Lopez and are requesting that you purchase a gift card because of a missed court date. If you receive one of these calls please don't give any money. Contact our office if you have any questions," Bartlett wrote on Facebook.