Don't fall for this! Officials warn of scam involving fines for missed jury duty

FAYETTE COUNTY, Ga. — The Fayette County Sheriff's Office is warning about a scam involving warrants for missed jury duty

Officials say some residents have gotten phone calls telling them they have a warrant out for missing jury duty and must pay a fine. The callers threaten residents with jail time if they don't pay up.

Channel 2's Justin Wilfon learned that multiple residents across the metro have gotten these phone calls.

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Scammers tell victims to buy pre-paid money cards at local stores and then call them back with the numbers.

The Fayette County Sheriff believes that the calls are coming from inmates in Georgia jails and prison looking to make some easy cash.

Wilfon talked to one man who got a call but says he didn't fall for it.

Shawn Braxton picked up the phone to a man telling him there was a warrant out for his arrest.

"My heart was beating pretty fast when it all happened," Braxton told Wilfon. "You just never know.”

Braxton said they didn't ask for any money, but for a pre-paid card. He says he's glad he didn't fall for it.

“It’s pretty despicable," Braxton said of the scam. "It’s sad that people have that much time on their hands.”

The sheriff's office says they will never ask anyone to pay a fine by buying a pre-paid card.

If you suspect a scam, call police before doing anything.

Cox Media Group