La Crosse, Wisconsin – A surge in jury duty phone scams is prompting a warning from the La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office, citing growing reports from residents.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers are calling residents while posing as law enforcement officials and falsely claiming the recipient missed jury duty and now faces a warrant for arrest. Callers allegedly pressure victims to pay fines or bond fees immediately to avoid arrest.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized it will never request payment for a bond, fine, warrant, or any other fee over the phone, nor will it ask for gift cards or personal financial information. Officials say scammers often attempt to sound convincing and may spoof caller ID numbers to appear legitimate.
Residents are urged not to share passwords, Social Security numbers, or credit card information with unsolicited callers. If a call feels suspicious, officials recommend hanging up and contacting the Sheriff’s Office directly using an official number.
For verification, residents can contact La Crosse County non-emergency dispatch at 608-782-7575, according to the agency. Officials say legitimate law enforcement communications will never demand immediate payment or threaten arrest over the phone.
The Sheriff’s Office also encouraged residents to share the warning with friends, family members, and neighbors, noting that scam calls often target older adults, students, and working residents during daytime hours when calls may seem more urgent.
Authorities say scam activity often increases during periods when jury summons are commonly issued, making the tactic especially effective if recipients are unsure of their jury status.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted or may have provided information to a scammer is encouraged to report the incident to local law enforcement.
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