While initially reported with an uptick in Mecklenburg County, the Attorney General emphasizes that this deceptive tactic could target any community in North Carolina.
Scammers are actively impersonating law enforcement officials, primarily claiming to be deputies from local Sheriff’s Offices. Their goal? To instill fear and extract money from unsuspecting citizens. The prevalent scheme involves callers falsely informing individuals that they have missed a jury duty summons and face immediate arrest if they do not pay a fine or send money.
"This is a classic scam tactic, but it works because it’s scary to get a call from someone who says you’ll be arrested if you don’t pay a fine," stated Attorney General Jeff Jackson. "Please don’t fall for it, and please warn your family members about these calls. This isn't just a Mecklenburg County issue; these scammers cast a wide net, and every North Carolinian needs to be vigilant."
Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden echoed the sentiment, advising, "As scam calls continue to target our community, I’m reminding everyone to stay alert. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, and no legitimate law enforcement agency, will ever call you to demand money or threaten you with arrest for missing jury duty. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and report it. Protect yourself, protect your information, and when in doubt, verify before you trust."
How the Scam Works & What You Need to Know:
Impersonation: Callers claim to be from a local Sheriff’s Office or other law enforcement agency.
False Urgency: They state you missed jury duty and threaten immediate arrest if a payment isn't made.
Payment Demands: Scammers will demand money, often asking for payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency – a definitive red flag.
Personal Information: Don't be fooled if they have some of your personal details. Much of this information is publicly accessible and used to create a false sense of legitimacy.
Key Takeaways – Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones:
Law Enforcement Will NOT Demand Payment Over the Phone: No legitimate sheriff’s office or law enforcement agency will ever call you to demand payment in exchange for avoiding arrest.
Fines Are Not Handled by Phone or Email: Even if you genuinely owe a fine for missing a jury duty appearance, you will not be contacted via phone or email for payment. Official communication will be through formal, written channels.
Gift Cards & Cryptocurrency = Scam: If anyone asks you to pay a fine using gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or cryptocurrency, it is absolutely a scam. These payment methods are untraceable and favored by fraudsters.
Hang Up Immediately: If you receive a call like this, do not engage. Hang up the phone.
Verify, Then Trust: If you are concerned whether a call was legitimate, contact your local Sheriff’s Office or law enforcement agency directly using a number you know to be correct (not a number provided by the suspicious caller).
Report Scams: Help protect others by reporting these incidents.
Report Scams:
To report a scam or if you believe you have been targeted, contact the North Carolina Department of Justice:
Phone:18775-NO-SCAM (1-877-566-7226)
Online: www.ncdoj.gov/complaint
Stay informed, stay vigilant, and share this vital information with friends, family, and neighbors across North Carolina to help prevent more residents from falling victim to these costly scams.
Image: WNCTimes