Salem, OR – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about ongoing phone scams involving callers posing as deputies and demanding payment for alleged missed jury duty.
According to a statement posted Wednesday, officials continue to receive reports of individuals fraudulently claiming residents must pay fines to avoid arrest. Authorities emphasized that missing jury duty does not result in an arrest warrant and that deputies will never demand payment over the phone.
The sheriff’s office said scammers often request payment through Bitcoin, gift cards, or other electronic methods. Callers may spoof phone numbers to appear as “Marion County Sheriff’s Office” or even use the name of a real employee.
Officials also warned that scammers may direct victims to meet at gas stations, kiosks, or parking lots to collect payments — something the agency says it would never do.
“If you have a warrant, we wouldn’t call to warn you — we’d show up in person,” the post stated.
Residents who receive suspicious calls are urged to hang up and contact the sheriff’s office non-emergency line directly at 503-588-5032.
The alert may be especially relevant to young adults and new residents unfamiliar with local jury processes.
Authorities encourage anyone unsure about a call’s legitimacy to trust their instincts and verify information directly with law enforcement.
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