LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — A familiar scam is once again targeting residents in the region, and local officials are warning the public to remain vigilant.
Several residents have reported receiving phone calls claiming they failed to appear for jury duty and that if they do not take immediate action, they will be arrested. According to Allen County Sheriff Matt Treglia, these calls are fraudulent.
"That is just not true," Treglia said. "Neither our office nor the courts will contact you by phone about jury duty."
The sheriff's office warns that while scammers may spoof phone numbers or provide personal information that seems legitimate, the calls are part of a con.
"So please do not give any money to anybody. Do not buy any gift cards for anybody," Treglia said. "You're not going to be in any trouble over this. And if you have any concerns, please call us at 419-227-3535 — that's our non-emergency line. Simply ask the dispatcher, ‘They said I had a warrant,’ and they're going to tell you it's a scam."
Several residents have reported receiving phone calls claiming they failed to appear for jury duty and that if they do not take immediate action, they will be arrested. According to Allen County Sheriff Matt Treglia, these calls are fraudulent.
Treglia emphasized that no legitimate law enforcement action involves asking for payment via gift cards.
"This situation the caller is describing is fake and will not be solved by a gift card," he said. "It's a scam — just hang up on them."
Authorities encourage anyone who receives such a call to report it to their local law enforcement agency.
