Scammers identifying themselves as deputy sheriffs are calling Fairfax County residents and claiming they failed to appear for jury duty and must pay a court fee to avoid arrest. The Fairfax County Sheriff's Office is in no way associated with this scam. Sheriff's deputies will not call people asking for money nor threatening them with arrest.
Anyone receiving a threatening phone call related to jury duty should hang up immediately. Do not give out personal information, including Social Security number, bank account or credit card numbers, passwords or any other identifying information. Regularly monitor all monetary accounts and always use strong passwords.
In other cases, scammers call and say they’re from the court or law enforcement and the person can avoid a warrant if they pay a fine. But law enforcement will never ask for money to avoid prosecution. Or scammers will demand money to not cut off electricity or for bond money for an arrested grandchild. City of Fairfax police urge residents to:
• Contact the court if there’s any doubt.
• Be skeptical if someone asks/demands payment with a Green Dot Moneypack, Western Union, or any electronic wiring service.
• Report suspicious or harassing calls to police at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/120413citizenreportingsystem.htm
• Remember, once money has been wired/sent, it’s impossible to recover.
• For more information, go to http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/financialcrimes/commonscams.htm.