GCSO Reports New Scam

The Greene County Sheriff’s office is warning about a new scam. According to Greene County Chief Deputy David Beverly, individuals have reported receiving phone calls or other communications claiming they have failed to appear for jury duty and face arrest or fines unless a payment is made immediately. Victims are usually instructed to make payments using methods like prepaid debit cards, gift cards or wire transfers. Beverly says none of those are accepted forms of payment for legal fines.

To make this scam seem more legitimate, scammers are using names of actual deputies, they have a way of spoofing the sheriff’s office phone number so it shows up on caller ID, and some have reported that scammers have actually used personal information of the victim including name, address or even their date of birth.

Beverly says it is vital that the public understand that no Law Enforcement agency takes payments for any fines. Courts or Law Enforcement agencies will also NEVER demand immediate payment over a phone for missed jury duty or any other fines. If you receive any types of calls or communication such as this DO NOT give any personal information, do not give these people any money, just simply hang up.