Dozens of people in Central Texas are falling prey to a phone scam.
Their phone rings and the person on the other line, claiming to be a sheriff’s deputy, tells them they missed jury duty.
In all of the cases, the person had not received a jury notice, but the caller still says there’s a warrant for their arrest.
In Annette Montgomery’s case, the call went to her ex-husband’s home.
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“I got an email from my ex-husband, and it said, ‘Please contact Sergeant Thomason with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department about a warrant,'” said Montgomery.
She called back and as the scam goes, “The man told her she missed jury duty and he had a warrant for her.”
“He used legal speak or cop talk,” said Montgomery. “It sounded very official.”
The scam artist goes on to say, “You have to purchase a Green Dot or Vanilla money card and put $500 on it,” or in some cases more. They then ask for the number on the card to access the money and tell you either the money will be on hold until your hearing or the warrant is dismissed.
Montgomery did not fall for it, but not everyone is as sharp.
“This scam evidently is working because it continues to occur,” said Captain Fred Thomas of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
While missing jury duty is against the law, Captain Thomas says law enforcement agents are not going to call you about it.
“No law enforcement agency is going to call you and ask for money. If you get one of these calls, please do not send them any money. Call us,” said Thomas.
People have also received the calls in Pflugerville, Cedar Park and Austin. Captain Thomas said while the caller has a 512 area code, they are not located in Texas. He said is someone thinks they may have missed jury duty, they should just call the court.
