The Steuben County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam targeting people with fake claims about missed jury duty.
On August 14, a Painted Post resident reported receiving a call from someone pretending to be a police officer. The caller claimed the person had failed to appear for jury service and needed to pay fines via a text voucher to avoid being arrested.
Sheriff Jim Allard says it’s a scam—and a dangerous one. “At no time will a police officer solicit money over the phone or by any communication method to avoid the arrest of any person,” the sheriff’s office said in a release.
If you receive a call like this, authorities urge you to hang up and immediately contact 911 or your local law enforcement agency.
“Scam avoidance is everyone’s business,” the sheriff’s office added.
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