Jury Duty Scam Surfaces in Bartow County

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The so-called jury duty scam reported across parts of metro Atlanta has reached Bartow County.

Clerk of Superior Court Melba Scoggins on Thursday said her office has received reports of the scams, which have been reported in Cherokee and north Fulton counties.

The scam involves a person claiming to be a deputy with the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office calling residents and informing them that they or a family member failed to show up for jury duty.

The scammer goes on to say that a warrant has been issued for that resident’s arrest and that they must pay a fine in order to avoid jail time.

Residents should remember that a police officer, sheriff’s deputy or officers of the court “do not call and ask for personal or financial information or to inform them they have warrants,” Scoggins said.

“There is never an instance where you can send money and have warrants taken care of,” Scoggins added.

Residents are warned against giving out any personal or financial information to anyone over the phone. If you believe you or a family member may have been a victim of this crime, contact Sgt. Jonathan Rogers with the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office at 770-382-5050.

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