Medford, OR – The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is warning residents about a new phone scam in which callers impersonate local law enforcement and threaten arrest for allegedly missing jury duty.
According to JCSO, several community members have reported receiving calls that appear to come from the local U.S. Marshals Service or Sheriff’s Office. Scammers use caller ID “spoofing” to display official phone numbers, making the calls appear legitimate. Victims are then told they face immediate arrest unless they pay a fine or provide personal information.
Deputies stress that these calls are fraudulent, and residents should hang up immediately if someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer asks for money. “We will never request payment—cash, credit, wire, or cryptocurrency—over the phone,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.
Law enforcement agencies will not contact citizens about missed jury duty, outstanding warrants, or civil matters by phone. The only exception would be during an active investigation, officials noted.
Residents are urged to share this information with family and friends, especially those not active on social media. Anyone who receives a suspicious call should verify its authenticity by contacting the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office directly at 541-774-6800.
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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