LANCASTER COUNTY, SC — The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a Jury Duty Scam that is making its way around the area.
The LCSO says the scammer calls unsuspecting residents to inform them they have failed to appear for jury duty, and a warrant has been issued for the victim’s arrest.
If the victim wishes to avoid arrest, the scammer says they must send a specific amount of money to a specified address.
Many times this payment will be requested in an odd form, officials say, such as a green dot card. Officials also say the address for shipment has been the physical address of the Lancaster County Courthouse on several occasions.
According to a release from the LCSO, this is the legitimate process taken by authorities regarding missed jury duty:
If you fail to appear for jury duty for common pleas (civil) or general sessions (criminal) court at the Lancaster County Courthouse at 104 North Main Street or for magistrate court at 761 Lancaster ByPass East, you might receive a telephone call from the Lancaster County Clerk of Court or from personnel of the magistrate court inquiring why you did not appear. You will not be told to send money to avoid arrest. If an officer is looking for you, he will come find you in person and will be wearing a uniform and will have proper credentials. Officers of the Lancaster County Sheriff’s office never demand payment from a citizen in lieu of arrest.
Anyone who thinks they are the target of a scam should gather as much information as possible, including a name and number of the caller, and contact their local authorities.
The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 803-283-3388. Anyone with questions about jury duty status can also contact the clerk of court at 803-285-1581 or the magistrate court at 803-283-3983.
