Salt Lake County, Utah – Officials are warning residents about scammers posing as sheriff’s deputies, pressuring victims to send money under false claims of missed jury duty or outstanding warrants.
According to the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, callers have allegedly identified themselves as law enforcement officers and claimed individuals failed to appear for jury duty, had a warrant for their arrest, or needed to pay immediately to avoid jail. In some cases, scammers have demanded payment over the phone to “resolve” the issue.
Sheriff Rosie Rivera recently joined the Utah Department of Commerce’s Scamalot Fraudcast to address the issue and explain how residents can protect themselves. The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that deputies will never call someone to demand payment or request personal financial information.
“We will never call about jury duty or warrants,” the agency stated in a public advisory. “We will never demand money or personal information over the phone.”
Officials say scammers often use fear and urgency to pressure victims into making quick decisions. Residents who receive such calls are urged to hang up immediately and report the incident to their local police department.
Law enforcement officials recommend verifying any suspicious claims directly through official channels rather than returning calls to unknown numbers. They also advise residents not to share sensitive information, including Social Security numbers or banking details.
The warning is particularly relevant for students and young workers who may be unfamiliar with jury procedures and more vulnerable to high-pressure tactics.
Authorities continue to encourage residents to stay informed and report suspicious activity to help prevent further fraud attempts.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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