Waukesha, WI – Residents in Waukesha County are being warned about a phone scam in which callers impersonate sheriff’s deputies and claim residents have missed jury duty.
According to the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office, the scam involves callers using spoofed department phone numbers and identifying themselves as “Officer O’Brien.” Victims are told they have a warrant for failing to appear for jury duty and must pay a fine immediately. Callers then direct victims to the Waukesha County Courthouse, instructing them to purchase gift cards or Bitcoin to resolve the alleged warrant.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that it will never request personal or financial details, credit card information, or gift card purchases over the phone. Officials also stressed that payment kiosks are not used to avoid arrest for missed jury service.
Authorities are urging anyone who receives such a call or email to hang up immediately and report it. Suspicious activity can be reported to the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office at 262-548-7122 or to local law enforcement.
This scam warning comes as officials continue to see an increase in fraudulent calls across Wisconsin, particularly those impersonating law enforcement.
