Newberry County Residents Warned About Jury Duty Scam Calls
NEWBERRY COUNTY, S.C. – Residents in Newberry County are being alerted by the local sheriff’s office about a troubling scam that is making its rounds in the area. The sheriff’s office reports that individuals are impersonating sheriff’s deputies in phone calls, claiming that residents are at risk of arrest for allegedly missing jury duty.
The Scam Details
According to officials, scammers are introducing themselves as deputies from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. They often mention the names of real deputies who work in the department, but many of the names provided don’t belong to actual employees. The callers are attempting to create a sense of urgency by informing the recipients that they must pay a fine to avoid being arrested for missing jury duty.
“This is absolutely a scam,” stated a representative from the sheriff’s office. “In reality, residents will never be contacted by law enforcement about missing jury duty in this manner.”
Warning Signs
Officials have outlined specific warning signs for residents to watch out for to identify potential scam calls. Typical characteristics of these calls include:
- Impersonation of Law Enforcement: Scammers are posing as deputies, claiming that arrest is imminent.
- Urgency to Pay: Victims are pressured into making immediate payments over the phone.
- Request for Gift Cards or Money Orders: Scammers typically instruct victims to send money in the form of gift cards or money orders.
What Should Residents Do?
Authorities emphasize that residents should never send money, gift cards, or any type of payment in response to such unsolicited calls. It is vital to remember that official communications regarding jury duty assignments or missed jury duty will not come in the form of unsolicited calls demanding payment.
In the case of receiving one of these calls, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to hang up immediately. They advise that anyone who receives such a call should report it to local authorities to help prevent others from falling victim to the scam.
Protecting Yourself
Residents are being urged to be vigilant and proactive about protecting themselves. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Verify Caller ID: Take note of the caller’s number and hang up if you do not recognize it.
- Do Not Engage: Engaging with scammers can often lead to more attempts to scam.
- Report the Incident: Reporting scams to local law enforcement can help them track and mitigate the impact on the community.
Community Support
The sheriff’s office is asking community members to look out for one another, especially the elderly who are often more susceptible to such scams. Sharing information about these scams can go a long way in protecting local residents from falling victim.
As a part of the community, it’s important for everyone to stay informed and aware of potential scams. Together, awareness and action can help curb the influence of these deceptive tactics and keep Newberry County safe.
For more information on scams or to report suspicious activities, residents can contact the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office.
