LAKEPORT >> Several Lake County residents on Friday reported receiving telephone calls from an individual claiming to be a Sheriff’s Office employee and that the residents had missed jury duty. The individual insisted that they must pay money to the Sheriff’s Office or they would face arrest.
According to a statement issued by the office, such calls are a scam.
“No court or law enforcement agency make intimidating phone calls and demand money from citizens,” the statement read in part.
Those who reported calls informed deputies they were told the scammer had a warrant for their arrest, which was due to not appearing for jury duty. Residents were told they could clear the warrant by paying a $500 fine and that they needed to go to CVS Pharmacy and complete an “electronic bond voucher” in the scammers alleged name.
The scammer said that the residents could not go to the Sheriff’s Office or the Lake County Superior Court, in order to turn themselves in and if they did, it would result in an immediate arrest.
Authorities urged anyone receiving such a call to hang up.
The Sheriff’s Office also issued a reminder, with tax season coming upon us, to be aware of scammers impersonating the IRS as well. These callers may demand money or may say you have a refund due and try to trick you into sharing private information.
These scam artists can sound convincing when they call. They may know a lot about you, and they usually alter the caller ID to make it look like the IRS is calling. They use fake names and bogus IRS identification badge numbers.
