Staunton, VA – Residents across Augusta County are being urged to stay alert today after a spike in fraudulent phone calls claiming individuals have missed jury duty and now face arrest, according to a new advisory from the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, scammers are impersonating county deputies and falsely telling victims that an arrest warrant has been issued for failing to appear for jury duty. The caller then pressures the individual to pay money to avoid being taken into custody—often demanding immediate payment over the phone.
Authorities emphasize these calls are entirely fraudulent. The sheriff’s office stressed that deputies will never contact residents by phone to request payment, personal information, or financial details. Anyone who receives such a call is urged to hang up immediately and avoid giving out any information.
The sheriff’s office said victims or attempted victims are encouraged to report the scam by calling 540-245-5333. Officials noted that these incidents have increased over the past several days, prompting the public warning.
Jury duty scams are a recurring issue nationwide, often targeting older adults or those unfamiliar with court procedures. Scammers typically use urgency and fear to pressure individuals into making rapid financial decisions. Augusta County officials are reminding residents that legitimate jury-related communication is conducted only through mailed notices, not phone calls.
Authorities also encourage community members to help spread awareness to friends, family, and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to such schemes. “It is OK to simply hang up the phone,” the sheriff’s office said in its statement.
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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