The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is warning residents that law enforcement officers are being impersonated in a new phone scam.
The Sheriff’s Office said a man falsely claiming to be from JSO has been calling residents, telling them they missed jury duty and that there’s a warrant out for their arrest.
The scammer then tells victims they’ll have to buy gift cards and read the card numbers to him over the phone in order to clear their name.
According to JSO, fines can not be paid directly to an officer by wiring money or with prepaid credit or gift cards. The Sheriff’s Office recommends against giving money to anyone you don’t know, whether by phone, email or regular mail.
JSO said if you get a call and you’re not sure whether or not you’re being scammed, look up the number of the company or public agency asking you to make a payment, call it directly and ask about the request.
JSO also said residents shouldn’t provide or confirm personal or financial information to anyone who calls them.
Brendan Rivers can be reached at brivers@wjct.org, 904-358-6396 or on Twitter at @BrendanRivers.
