The Greene County Sheriff’s Department is warning citizens of a jury duty scam in which scammers are impersonating court officials and law enforcement personnel to demand immediate payment under false pretenses related to missed jury service.
Greeneville Police reported a similar scam in early September.
Individuals are reportedly 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. These callers often use tactics to appear legitimate by using names of current deputies. They also have a spoofing feature that shows the actual phone number from the Sheriff’s Department, making the call seem authentic. Some scammers may have personal information to include name, address or date of birth of the person they are calling to enhance the scam’s credibility.
Victims are typically instructed to make payments using methods like prepaid debit cards, gift cards or wire transfers. The scammers reportedly use threatening and high-pressure language to create a sense of urgency, insisting payment must be made immediately to avoid arrest.
Citizens are reminded that no law enforcement agency will ever take payments for any fines and will never demand immediate payment over the phone. If you receive a call or other form of communication of this nature, do no give out any personal information and do not send any money or gift cards.
