Bannock County Sheriff’s Office warns of jury duty scam

The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office has recently become aware of a phishing scam where scammers claim to be from the sheriff’s office.

A community member reports they received a call from someone who stated he was a Bannock County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant and claimed he had a warrant for the victim’s arrest for failing to report for jury duty. The phisher said the only way to get the warrant released was to get a pre-paid credit card and take it to a specific location and told the caller they had to stay on the phone the whole time. If the call was disconnected, the police would be out to arrest him immediately the phisher said.

At no time would the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office contact a member of the public to demand payment from a pre-paid credit card reports the sheriff’s office.

Warrants are issued by the courts and must be signed by a Judge. The only way a warrant can be removed is through a Judge’s order or by the actual arrest.

If you are contacted by someone demanding a pre-paid card or a money gram just hang up said the sheriff’s office. Never release personal information over the phone unless you are absolutely sure you know who you are dealing with.