The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents to a scam involving fraudulent claims of missed jury duty. Two reports have been filed from individuals who received phone calls from someone posing as a VPSO deputy.

According to those reports, the caller claimed the individual had an active warrant for failing to appear for jury duty. The caller provided a badge number and then requested money to prevent an arrest.

Authorities stressed that the sheriff’s office does not call residents to demand payment to resolve a warrant. Anyone who receives such a call is urged to hang up immediately. Residents are also advised not to send money or share personal or banking information.

VPSO notes that if a jury duty issue ever requires law enforcement contact, a deputy will appear in person, in uniform, and in a marked unit. The office also cautioned that any money sent to scammers is typically not recoverable.