Washington County, TN – Residents across Washington County are being warned to stay alert after local authorities reported a resurgence of a jury duty phone scam targeting residents this week.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, scammers have been calling residents while posing as law enforcement officials and falsely claiming the victim has missed jury duty. Callers then allegedly demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or outstanding warrants.
Officials emphasized that law enforcement will never request payment over the phone—especially through cyber currency such as Bitcoin, gift cards, or prepaid cards. Authorities say these payment methods are a major red flag and are commonly used by scammers because they are difficult to trace or recover.
The sheriff’s office also clarified that if a legitimate warrant exists, deputies will serve it in person, not by phone call. Residents receiving such calls are urged to hang up immediately and avoid providing personal or financial information.
This scam has been reported in multiple East Tennessee communities in recent years, often resurfacing during periods of increased jury summons. Law enforcement agencies across the region have repeatedly warned that scammers rely on fear and urgency to pressure victims into quick payments.
Officials recommend that anyone who receives a suspicious call report it to local law enforcement and warn family members—especially elderly relatives—who are often targeted in these schemes.
Residents can also help protect themselves by verifying jury service notices directly through official court channels and never responding to unsolicited payment demands.
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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