ROCKINGHAM — Police are again warning of a scam targeting the community from callers purporting to be involved with the justice system.
The Rockingham Police Department posted a scam alert the afternoon of Aug. 11, saying that residents are receiving calls from potential scammers claiming to be law enforcement officers or federal court employees.
“These scammers may sound and appear credible by using names of actual law enforcement officials,” police said in the alert.
“These scammers attempt to collect financial compensation in lieu of arrest due to a claim of failing to report for jury duty or other court-related matters,” the post reads. “Victims are told they can avoid arrest by providing financial payment over the phone.”
The jury duty scam, and others like it, have been reported by local law enforcement for several years.
In mid-July, one would-be scammer called District Court Judge Chevonne Wallace, reportedly claiming that she missed court.
RPD says its officers will never contact residents by phone for failure to appear for jury service, and that the department will never ask for credit or debit card numbers, gift card numbers, wire transfers or bank routing numbers.
“Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and to NEVER provide personal or financial information over the phone to unknown callers,” the RPD says. “If you receive such a call and want to verify that it is a scam, you can always call the Rockingham Police Department at 910-895-2468.”
Anyone suspecting scam activity is encouraged to file a complaint with their local law enforcement agency; contact the N.C. Consumer Protection Division at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM; or file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission or Federal Trade Commission.
