Butler County Sheriff Mike Slupe is warning residents that a scammer is attempting to scare residents into paying for a false fine or warrant.

Slupe said in a news release Friday that a male identifying himself as Deputy Mike Jacobs or a similar name is also copying the actual phone number of the sheriff's department, so his calls appear to be legitimate.

Slupe advises residents to hang up immediately instead of engaging the scammer in any conversation.

Those with questions or concerns can call Slupe's office at 724-284-5245.

The Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance, a statewide nonprofit organization that works to prevent child abuse through training, programs and educational initiatives, has opened its annual application for the state Blue Ribbon for Safe Champions awards.The annual awards event, which takes place in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg, recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep children in Pennsylvania safe.Child welfare professionals, volunteers, and anyone who has protected a child in any way can be nominated for this award.The ceremony draws hundreds of attendees including many elected officials. This year the ceremony will take place April 8.Online nominations can be submitted for free at www.pablueribbonchampion.org/Nominate.html.