Newberry County Residents Warned About Jury Duty Scam
NEWBERRY COUNTY, S.C. – Residents in the Newberry County area are being warned about a troubling scam that has recently surfaced, targeting individuals with fraudulent claims about missing jury duty. The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office has issued an alert to inform the public about these deceptive phone calls, which aim to extract money under false pretenses.
The Scam Details
According to reports from the sheriff’s office, scammers are posing as Newberry County Sheriff’s Deputies. They are making phone calls to residents, informing them that they are being arrested for not appearing for jury duty. During these calls, the scammers often provide the names of actual deputies within the sheriff’s office, which makes their claims appear more credible. Some of these names might be correct, while others belong to employees who are not involved in the illegal activities.
The scammers typically tell the residents that in order to avoid being taken into custody, they must pay a fine through the phone. This is where the scam gets particularly alarming, as they ask victims to send payment via gift cards or money orders, which are common methods for scammers to receive money without a trace.
What To Do If You Receive Such a Call
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office has made it clear that if you ever find yourself in this situation, do not send any money and do not share any personal information over the phone. Missing jury duty will not result in a phone call from law enforcement demanding payment. Any official communication regarding jury duty typically comes in writing via the mail, not over the phone.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and skeptical of phone calls claiming to be from local law enforcement, especially those that request immediate payment. In addition to avoiding payment, if you receive such a call, the sheriff’s office urges you to report the incident. Providing details about the scam can help law enforcement track down these fraudsters and prevent others from falling victim.
Advice from Law Enforcement
The sheriff’s office has outlined specific steps that individuals can take if they are uncertain about the legitimacy of a call:
- Hang up and verify: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact your local sheriff’s office or police department directly using the official phone number to verify whether the call was legitimate.
- Don’t engage: Do not engage with the caller. Scammers often try to manipulate their victims by creating a sense of urgency.
- Protect your information: Do not provide any personal information or payment over the phone to unknown callers.
Community Education and Awareness
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is committed to keeping the community informed about potential scams and fraudulent activities. They encourage residents to share information about this scam with friends and family members to ensure everyone is aware and can protect themselves from these deceptive practices.
By working together and looking out for one another, the community can help reduce the impact of scams and protect vulnerable residents from financial harm. As this scam continues to circulate, prevention through awareness and education is key.
For further updates or information regarding local scams, residents are advised to keep an eye on public announcements from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and community education platforms.
