The scammers are at it again.
And so is Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams, renewing his warning about calls from purported law enforcement officials demanding money or payment over the phone.
Adams said the scammers are impersonating deputy sheriffs and police officers — using the names of actual officers — telling victims that they missed jury duty or failed to appear for court.
Similar warnings were issued in August and May.
“We got some of the same type of scams, specifically juror scams, alleging people did not show up for jury duty in both federal and state court,” Adams said Monday. “They use the names of actual employees of the sheriff’s department.”
The scammers tell potential victims that they could be detained if they show up in person. To avoid that, they pressure the victims to send a payment via cryptocurrency such as bitcoin, Adams said.
Adams said Berks law enforcement officials will never call to demand money or payment over the phone.
In a Facebook post, Berks Sheriff Mandy Miller echoed Adams’ warning and pointed out that caller IDs can be spoofed to look like legitimate numbers. She advised not trusting the number that appears on your screen.
If you receive a suspicious call, Adams and Miller advise hanging up immediately and never giving out any personal or financial information.
Miller said those who receive scam calls should contact the sheriff’s office at its official number, 610-478-6240.
Adams urged residents to share this information with relatives who may be vulnerable to these schemes.
“The scammers never stop,” he said. “Do not in any manner ever respond to a phone call asking for money. The best way to combat the scammers is to hang up.”