Lubbock Residents Warned About Jury Duty and Warrant Scam Calls

The Lubbock County Sheriff's Office recently posted about a phone scam that even savvy folks could easily fall for. It has all the hallmarks of an effective scam: it creates an extreme sense of urgency, the caller is persistent, and it sounds official and plausible. Luckily, a firefighter in our area recorded the call so other people can hear how the scam works and not fall for it.

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The Scam Call Was Filled With Red Flags

You can listen to the 13-minute call here if you like, but these are the major red flags to look for on this particular scam (and others):

•  Used the wrong agency name

•  Provided fake judge names

•  Referenced the wrong county

•  Withheld basic information, such as a supervisor’s name or rank and a court address

•  Used legal terms incorrectly

•  Threatened immediate arrest

•  Demanded the issue be resolved immediately

•  Told the recipient not to discuss the call with anyone else

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Scammers Use Pressure To Make Victims Act Quickly

Scammers know that their scam will fall apart if you have time to think about it, look it up, or talk about it with other people. So they create tactics that are designed to create fear and pressure. A caller who insists that you must make an immediate payment or resolve a supposed legal issue right away should be treated with caution.

The RealSheriff's Office Will Not Demand Payment Over The Phone

The Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents that it will not call and demand payment to resolve a warrant, jury-duty issue, or other legal matter.

The agency also says it does not accept payments through bitcoin, Cash App, Venmo, or gift cards, and residents should be cautious of anyone directing them to make a payment somewhere other than an official county-owned location.