Wake sheriff: Don't be fooled by jury scam

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Wake County residents are getting calls from a phony sheriff's deputy saying they skipped jury duty and to pay up or be arrested.

Sheriff Donnie Harrison told ABC11 that victims are told they can make an arrest warrant go away if they put money on a pre-paid credit card and then give the number to the caller.

The scam is not new. Con artists have been doing it across North Carolina for years, but there have recently been more calls in Wake County.

To protect yourself, remember:

• Real notices for jury duty arrive by mail.
• Legitimate public officials won't call to threaten you with arrest if you don't show up for jury duty or fail to pay a fine immediately.
• Hang up on jury duty scammers and other crooks who try to trick you out of your hard-earned money.

If you get one of these calls, call the Wake County Sheriff's Office at (919) 856-6911 and file a complaint with the Attorney General's Office by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or completing the form online at www.ncdoj.gov

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