The agency said its personnel will not call someone and demand payment over the phone or ask for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency or electronic payment applications. Designed by Magnific

OROVILLE, CA (MPG) - The Butte County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam in which callers impersonate sheriff’s personnel and demand money over claims of missed jury duty.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers call residents and claim they failed to appear for jury duty and now have a warrant for their arrest. The caller then demands immediate payment of a purported bail or bond to prevent an arrest.

The Sheriff’s Office said the calls are fraudulent and residents should not send money or provide personal or financial information.

The agency said its personnel will not call someone and demand payment over the phone or ask for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency or electronic payment applications.

Deputies also will not ask someone to pay bail or fines to avoid arrest, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone who receives such a call should hang up immediately and refrain from providing information or sending money.

Residents who are uncertain whether a call claiming to come from the Sheriff’s Office is legitimate can contact the agency directly through its non-emergency line at 530-538-7321.

The Sheriff’s Office encouraged residents to make family members, friends and neighbors aware of the scam, particularly as callers continue using claims of arrest warrants and missed jury duty to pressure potential victims into making payments.