Putnam County, WV – Residents are being warned to stay alert after the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office issued a public notice today about a rising phone scam involving fake jury duty warrants and urgent payment demands.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are calling residents and falsely claiming to be affiliated with a police department. Callers allegedly tell victims they have an active warrant for missing jury duty and must immediately pay a fine to avoid arrest.
Authorities say the scam follows a consistent pattern. Victims are instructed that the warrant can be “resolved” by sending money, often under pressure and fear. In newer versions of the scam, callers imply the victim is under a so-called “gag order,” discouraging them from contacting family members or law enforcement to verify the claim.
Officials also report scammers have escalated their tactics by reading Miranda rights over the phone to make the call appear legitimate. Victims are then directed to visit the nearest bitcoin ATM or machine to send payment — a major red flag, according to law enforcement.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that real law enforcement agencies do not call residents to collect fines, demand cryptocurrency payments, or issue gag orders over the phone. Warrants are not resolved through phone calls or digital currency.
Authorities note that while many residents may recognize the warning signs, these intimidation tactics can be especially effective against elderly individuals or those unfamiliar with the legal system.
Residents who receive similar calls are urged to hang up immediately and report the incident to local law enforcement. Community members are also encouraged to share the warning with friends and family to help prevent additional victims.
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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