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Scam Alert: Man Posing as Sheriff's Staff Asking Residents for Money to Clear False Warrants

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Have you ever missed jury duty? If you're one of that (dare we say vast) majority of of people who tosses their jury notices in the recycling bin, don't be duped by an official-sounding fellow with an intimidating proposition.

According to Sgt. Aaron Harding with the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, a man has been calling local residents, claiming to be Sheriff's Office staff, and telling people that a warrant has been issued for their—on account of missing jury duty. He then advises them they can only clear up the issue by making a payment.

"The Sheriff’s Office wants the public to know that this is a scam, and that they should never send someone money without verifying the information they are being provided first," Harding writes in a release. "It is not common practice for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office to advise a citizen they have a warrant over the phone. In most cases, a citizen with a warrant will be contacted in person, and the Deputy will have proper credentials when serving the warrant."

If you get one of these calls, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office asks folks to report it at 541-693-6911.