Pittsburgh, PA – A retiree in Pittsburgh was scammed out of $7,000 on Tuesday afternoon after falling victim to a phone scheme involving fake sheriff’s deputies and threats of arrest over missed jury duty.
According to the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the scam began with a call from someone claiming to be an “officer” who told the victim there were two outstanding citations for failing to report for jury duty. To make the scheme more convincing, a second caller impersonated a “captain” and spoofed the sheriff’s office number on caller ID.
The impersonators allegedly told the victim he could avoid arrest by paying $6,500 per citation. When the victim offered to pay by check at the courthouse, he was told payment must be made through a bitcoin terminal. The victim withdrew $7,000 from his bank and, following instructions sent via text, deposited the money in four separate transactions.
The scammers kept the victim on the phone for more than four hours, demanding additional money before he finally hung up and contacted police.
Sheriff Kevin M. Kraus reminded residents that the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office will never request payments over the phone, in gift cards, through mobile apps, or via bitcoin kiosks.
Officials urge anyone who receives such a call to hang up immediately and notify 911.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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