Hanover County, VA – The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a new version of the jury-duty scam that now includes fake FBI warrants and Bitcoin payment demands.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, a local resident reported receiving an email and text message claiming he had missed jury duty and faced arrest unless he deposited money at a Bitcoin ATM. The message included a forged federal court document bearing official-looking seals and the resident’s name.
Thankfully, the resident recognized the fraud before sending any money and alerted authorities.
Officials stressed that neither the FBI nor any court will ever request payment over the phone, by wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. “High-pressure messages that demand immediate payment or threaten arrest are always red flags,” the post read.
Residents are urged to hang up, avoid clicking links, and verify any claims directly with law enforcement or court offices using official contact information. Reporting attempted scams helps protect others in the community.
The Sheriff’s Office reminded citizens to trust their instincts and call to confirm if something feels suspicious. “We would much rather hear from you before you become a victim than after,” officials said.
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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