Crime & Safety
Sheriff's Office Warns of Jury Duty Scam Making Way Through San Mateo County
The sheriff's office says that people are being instructed to pay a fine or face jail by a scammer.
The following is a news release from the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office:
The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a warning to the public to beware of phone calls from individuals claiming to represent themselves as a Deputy Sheriff in an effort to defraud them.
Reportedly, members of the public have received unsolicited phone calls from an individual who fraudulently claims he is a Deputy Sheriff. They are told they must pay fees for failure to appear for jury duty. The imposter instructs them to pay the fees by purchasing a prepaid “green dot card” or be subjected to arrest.
The truth is, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office or any law enforcement agency, would never contact a member of the public over the telephone demanding they pay fees and/or any fines lest they be subject to arrest for failure to comply.
The public is reminded once again to be vigilant and never provide personal information, like Social Security numbers and credit card information, over the phone unless they themselves initiated the phone call.
If you believe you were the victim of this scam or a similar scam, contact your local law enforcement agency.
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