MT. VERNON – The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating several reports of county residents being scammed.

Callers are telling people they have missed federal jury duty and now have a warrant for their arrest from Federal District Court and they need to pay a fine over the phone via cryptocurrency, Bitcoin or gift cards.

Callers are pretending to be deputies or other representatives of the sheriff’s office.

These calls come from a 618 area code and seem to be local, however they are not. This is called “Call Spoofing.”

Please remember that the sheriff’s office will never ask for payment for a fine or warrant over the phone.

If someone calls you stating they are from the sheriff’s office, or any other agency, asking for payment or stating you have a warrant, please hang up and call 618-244-8004 ext. 1. for assistance.