Local authorities warn of jury duty phone scam

BECKLEY, W.Va. — The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office and the Beckley Police Department say many residents are complaining of a recent phone scam.

Victims say the caller will state they are with the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office and they owe money for missing jury duty. The caller will even leave a message and a callback number if nobody answers. When victims return the call with that number, a person answers saying they are with the “civil process division” of the Sheriff’s Office.

Victims are then instructed to get a prepaid credit card and send them the card’s information. In some cases, they would ask to send a Western Union or similar form of money transfer.PhoneScamGraphic

The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office released a statement Thursday saying they will not charge for civil process over the phone. It is paid at the Clerk of the Court and usually in person.

If you receive a similar phone call, contact the Sheriff’s Office immediately at 304-255-9300.