A scammer claiming to be from the “Sheriff’s Office” recently contacted a resident trying to pull off what is known as the “jury duty” scam.

The man identified himself as Lt. John Martin and told the victim a warrant had been issued for her arrest because she failed to respond to a “grand jury” summons.

The caller told the victim she could avoid being arrested if she paid a $3,996 fine; and instructed her to go to CVS, purchase a Green Dot Money Pack card – also known as a reloadable debit card – and provide him with the serial number located on the back of the card.

When the victim told the scammer she did not believe him, he passed the phone to his “captain.”

Fortunately, the victim did not respond to “Lt. Martin’s” threats and demands; however, the sheriff’s office wants residents to know that under no circumstances would it ever contact a citizen over the phone asking for money or threatening arrest for failure to respond to a jury duty summons.

It is important to know that in this particular case, the scammer did use a local phone number.

When authorities called the number back, it immediately connects to a voice mail with a message that states, “You have reached the desk of Lt. Martin with the Lee County Sheriff’s Department, leave your name, number and a brief message and I will return your call.”

The sheriff’s office does not have an employee by the name of Lt. Martin and residents should not leave a message.

Anyone who receives such a call is advised to simply hang up!

To report an incident to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Fraud Line call (239) 258-3292.

Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office