EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso County residents are being warned about a phone scam in which callers falsely claim to be with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and tell people they have missed jury duty.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers are telling victims they failed to appear for jury duty and that a warrant has been issued for their arrest. The caller may then demand payment over the phone to “resolve” the warrant or avoid arrest.
The Sheriff’s Office said it will never request payment over the phone, by text message or by email, and does not collect fines, fees or bond payments in that manner. The agency also said it does not threaten immediate arrest over the phone.
Anyone who receives a call like this is urged not to provide personal information, not to send money and not to engage with the caller.
According to the sheriff’s office, individuals who are concerned about whether they may have an active warrant can verify that information by contacting the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Warrants Division at (915) 273-3762.
Additionally, residents who believe they have been targeted or victimized by the scam are encouraged to report it to local law enforcement.
The Sheriff’s Office also urged the public to remain vigilant and share the warning with family members, friends, and especially elderly individuals, who are often targeted by scammers.
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