'Jury Scam' Targeting King County Residents: Sheriff's Office

WOODINVILLE, WA - If you get a call from someone claiming to be a King County Sheriff's deputy, make sure they're the real deal. The sheriff's office is reporting instances of a scam where a caller will pretend to be a deputy, tell you that you skipped jury duty, and then demand you pay a fine over the phone - or risk going to jail.

As you might be able to guess, the King County Sheriff's office will never call you and demand you pay a fine - even if you do skip jury duty.

"The Sheriff’s Office would never call you about a warrant and ask you to pay over the phone. The scammers are very convincing but, do not fall for it!" Sgt. Cindi West wrote in a warning about the scam. "Do not pay anyone over the phone for an alleged warrant for failing to report for jury duty."

West said that the scam has actually been going on for several years. Thankfully, she said, most people who get the calls don't fall for it.

If you get a call like this, the sheriff's office advises that you just hang up. On the other hand, if there is a warrant out for your arrest, expect that a King County Sheriff's deputy will visit you in person at some point.

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