ST. BERNARD PARISH, La. — The St. Bernard Sheriff's Office is warning residents of a phone scam that is asking residents to pay money or be arrested due to their failure to appear for jury duty.
The caller claims to be a deputy, instructing victims to purchase gift cards, go to an ATM or wire money in order to void the warrant and avoid arrest for being in contempt of court, St. Bernard deputies said.
In a post on Facebook, the department said: "The number seen on caller ID may not be accurate and could be spoofed by the caller to read a number familiar to you."
Sheriff James Pohlmann warned residents that a valid arrest warrant is served in person by law enforcement officials and in some cases a deputy may call you if you have a warrant. But a deputy will not "ask anyone to give them money by any means or form of payment."
If you have received a call from someone claiming to be a deputy with the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office asking you for money to avoid arrest, call the Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501.
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