Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office warns of fake jury duty scam targeting residents
Roanoke, Virginia – The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office has issued a public warning regarding an ongoing phone scam that is targeting residents. The scammers are pretending to be officials from the Sheriff’s Office, claiming that individuals have missed jury duty and need to pay a fee to avoid arrest. This scam is becoming increasingly sophisticated, involving the use of fake government documents and fraudulent email links, and is designed to trick victims into providing sensitive personal information and money.
How the Scam Works
The scammers call unsuspecting victims, pretending to be representatives of the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office, and claim that the person has missed a jury duty appointment for the Roanoke City Circuit Court or even the U.S. District Court. The scammers often state that the Sheriff’s Office has been tasked with reaching out to these individuals, making the scheme appear more legitimate.
Once they have gained the victim’s trust, the scammers request payments to resolve the supposed jury duty violation. Payments have been requested through various means, including money orders, gift cards, and even cryptocurrency, with some victims being asked to pay as much as $7,000. Several victims have reported making these payments, believing they were complying with legitimate instructions, only to later realize they had been defrauded.
Key Points to Stay Protected
The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office emphasizes the following points to help the public avoid falling victim to this scam:
- Verify Information: If you receive a call claiming to be from the Sheriff’s Office or any government agency, take the time to independently verify the caller’s information. Legitimate government agencies will not ask for payment over the phone or through email links.
- Do Not Share Personal Information: Never provide personal, financial, or payment details to unknown callers. If the legitimacy of the call is in doubt, hang up immediately.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, report it to local law enforcement or a consumer protection agency.
The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office wants the public to be aware that their office will never contact residents by phone to demand payments in this manner. “This scam is designed to create fear and exploit community members,” the Sheriff’s Office warns, urging everyone to stay vigilant. If you receive such a call, do not provide any information or payment and contact the Sheriff’s Office directly at 540-853-2941.
Community Outreach: TRIAD Program for Fraud Prevention
To help educate the public on recognizing and avoiding scams, the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office offers monthly sessions through its TRIAD Program. These sessions are designed to provide valuable information on fraud prevention, personal safety, and resources available for seniors, a group often targeted by scammers.
The next TRIAD meeting will be held on October 8, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the EnVision Center, located at 2607 Salem Turnpike NW, Roanoke, VA 24017. The featured presenter, Cindy Markham, Community Outreach Specialist with VirginiaNavigator, will discuss how seniors and their caregivers can connect with essential resources. Topics will include assistance with healthcare, long-term care, insurance, legal matters, and other community services. The goal of the session is to empower individuals with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
Light refreshments will be provided, and all seniors are encouraged to attend.
Protect Yourself from Scams
The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office reminds the public to always be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, particularly those requesting payment or personal information. Here are a few tips to stay safe:
- Always verify the source before sharing personal information.
- Be cautious of offers or requests that seem too urgent or too good to be true.
- Report suspicious activity to local authorities before sending any payments.
For more information on how to avoid fraud and scams, or to register for future TRIAD sessions, contact the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office at 540-853-2941.
