Iredell County Residents Targeted In Jury Duty Scams

MOORESVILLE, NC — A new scam is targeting Iredell County residents, demanding payment for bogus jury duty fines, according to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.

ICSO began hearing about the scam Aug. 7, when it received reports that real estate offices in Mooresville and Statesville were receiving calls from people claiming to be ICSO Deputy Jason Hampton or Deputy Chad Bentley.

“The victims are advising the callers tell them they have missed jury duty,” ICSO said. “To remedy the situation, the victims are to bring two self-addressed stamped envelopes, and their identification to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.” Then, the scammers call back and tell their targeted victims to buy gift cards or debit cards to pay the fine.

The sheriff’s office is investigating the scam and said anyone who has received such a call should report it to their office by calling 704-878-3180.

“Neither the Iredell County Sheriff's Office nor the Mooresville Police Department will contact you in this manner and ask you to pay for fines using gift cards,” MPD said in a statement.

Have you been the target of a phone scam? Tell us about it in the comment section.