The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam in which callers, text messages and emails falsely claim to be deputies and demand payment for missed jury duty, the office said Monday.
Scammers have told victims they face fines of up to $5,000 or arrest and sometimes sent documents that appear to be official, including fake warrants, the sheriff’s office said. The callers often instruct victims to keep the matter confidential and to avoid contacting anyone else.
The office said scammers have identified themselves as “Deputy Josh Martin” and “Lieutenant Jason Clifton,” names that do not belong to any Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office employees. Scammers also have advised victims to deposit money into a bitcoin kiosk or send electronic payments to avoid arrest, the advisory said.
The sheriff’s office urged residents not to send money or provide personal or financial information to unsolicited callers, and not to rely on caller ID because scammers can spoof numbers. People who receive suspicious calls, texts or emails should report them to the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office at (662) 328-6788 and share the warning with family and neighbors, especially elderly individuals who are often targeted, the advisory said. The advisory was signed by Sheriff Eddie Hawkins. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
