Roanoke County, Virginia – Residents in Roanoke County are being warned about jury duty payment scams.
According to the Roanoke County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are contacting individuals and falsely claiming they missed jury duty. The callers reportedly demand immediate payment or request gift cards to avoid arrest or legal consequences.
The Sheriff’s Office stated in a Friday social media post that it will never call residents to request payment or gift cards for missed jury service. Officials emphasized that legitimate jury-related communication does not involve threats over the phone or demands for immediate financial transactions.
Authorities are urging residents not to provide personal information, payment details, or gift card numbers to unsolicited callers. Anyone who receives such a call is encouraged to hang up immediately and report the incident to the Sheriff’s Office.
Phone-based scams often rely on urgency and intimidation tactics, particularly targeting individuals who may be unfamiliar with court procedures. Law enforcement officials say scammers frequently spoof local phone numbers to make calls appear legitimate.
Residents who believe they may have fallen victim to the scam should contact local law enforcement and their financial institution as soon as possible.
The warning is especially relevant for students, new residents, and young workers who may be unfamiliar with how jury summons procedures work in Virginia.
Officials remind the public that court notices are typically delivered by mail and do not require immediate payment over the phone.
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