Missed jury duty scam targets Va. residents

ARLINGTON, Va. - There's a new scam targeting Arlington County residents that authorities want you to know about.

Police say victims of this scam are getting calls from someone claiming to be a lieutenant with the sheriff's office. The scam artist tells the victim that they failed to appear for jury duty, and a warrant for their arrest will be issued unless they pay a fine. The suspect then asks for immediate payment and takes their debit card and PIN number. Some victims were forced to get pre-paid debit cards.

Police say there were a total of 15 cases last month in Arlington County. Some victims lost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Police want you to know that they won't call and threaten to jail you or demand money for missing jury duty.

Much like the IRS scam that has been preying on victims, many of these scammers are located offshore and use internet phone devices to show the 703 area code on your phone.

If you find that you were a victim of a scam or a target, you can file a police report online at http://police.arlingtonva.us/online-police-reporting-system/ or call the non-emergency police line at 703-558-2222.