Sheriff Warns of Jury Duty Scam

The Blair County Sheriff's Office, James E. Ott, sheriff, has issued a scam alert.

The office is receiving reports of phone calls from a male caller identifying himself as a deputy of the Blair County Sheriff’s Office, claiming that the person receiving the call has a jury duty appearance that was missed, resulting in an arrest warrant being generated.

The caller provides a phone number to call back if he does not speak directly to the victim. The actor has called people at their place of employment. The caller also gives a “case number” and provides some of the victim's information, making the call seem legitimate.

The caller tells victims to travel to a facility to purchase “Moneypak” cards (cash cards), then instructs them to travel to the courthouse immediately while remaining on the phone with him to keep in contact to ensure their arrival.

The Blair County Sheriffs Office, or any other Blair County law enforcement agency, will never call and present an option to settle any outstanding filings, warrants, or paperwork via telephone.

The sheriff’s office will never make monetary arrangements via phone, or request any personal account information for any reason, and do not request people to remain on the phone as they drive to the courthouse campus.

Those who receive such a call should immediately report it to the local police agency to determine if the call is legitimate or a scam.

Residents should never give personal information or account information to anyone over the phone.