Douglas County community members are reporting suspicious calls about missing jury duty, and the Sheriff’s Office is warning that it’s part of a scam.

George Diepenbrock, a representative with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, on Friday told the Journal-World the scam spoofs the Sheriff’s Office name or number and uses the name of a deputy, informing folks they’ve missed jury duty and are facing fines and a warrant. The callers try to keep folks on the phone for an extended period of time in an effort to gather as much information about them as possible, and usually urge scam victims to purchase gift cards, offer their credit card information or submit payment via websites.

But the Sheriff’s Office says the public should beware, because if someone presenting themselves as a deputy claims there are legal issues requiring immediate payment, it’s a scam. The scam seems to be occurring in other counties as well, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

“The Sheriff’s Office encourages people to share this information with older relatives or neighbors, especially if they are not accustomed to using newer digital tools,” Diepenbrock told the Journal-World. “No deputy or DGSO employee will pressure anyone to pay a sum of money immediately to resolve a legal issue.”

If you’re contacted by someone claiming to be from the Sheriff’s Office and are concerned about the legitimacy of the call, the Sheriff’s Office is encouraging the public to hang up and contact their main office number at 785-841-0007 to verify their name; you also should avoid calling any phone number provided by a scam caller.

Victims of any phone scam can contact the Kansas Attorney General’s Office at 785-296-2215 or visit the attorney general’s website to report it.