OC Sheriff’s Office warns of New Scam

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of a scam that involves someone calling on behalf of court trying to bilk residents out of money. Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Jimmy Watt gives details. “Monday, the Sheriff’s Office was notified by a senior citizen from the Westminster area who said that an individual called claiming to be from court. The caller stated that the man was being levied a fine for not appearing for jury duty. The man told the caller that he had not received anything in the mail that he was to appear for jury duty. The caller then told the man that if he purchased a green dot card, put money on the card, and send it in, that the fines would be forgiven. The caller said he would be back in touch to arrange to receive the money. After being questioned by the man and saying he was going to visit the judge, the man hung up on the caller. According to the deputy, the caller appeared to be local. The Sheriff’s Office is asking individuals to be aware of such scams and not to send any money or provide any personal information. Residents who are asked to be on jury duty will be sent a letter in the mail or in some cases; a law enforcement officer will bring the letter to the individual’s home.” Anyone who is a target of this scam is asked to call the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office if they live in the unincorporated areas of Oconee County or their local law enforcement agency if they live in a municipality.