Waynesboro Police Department Issues Warning About Jury Duty Warrant Scam

Waynesboro, PA – The Waynesboro Police Department has issued a public alert regarding a deceptive scheme targeting residents with fake jury duty warrants and impersonated law enforcement officers. This scam involves callers posing as police officers who threaten immediate arrest for failure to appear for jury duty, demanding substantial fines be paid immediately through unconventional methods.

According to the department’s announcement, a recent incident involved a Waynesboro resident who received a phone call from an individual falsely claiming to be a police officer. The caller asserted that the resident had an active warrant for their arrest due to not appearing for jury duty. To instill fear and urgency, the scammer threatened that law enforcement would be dispatched to the resident’s home to carry out the arrest. The fraudulent scheme escalated with the alleged sending of a warrant document and a demand for thousands of dollars in fines. The victim was then instructed to withdraw a large sum of cash and use a provided barcode at retail stores to submit the payment.

The Waynesboro Police Department emphatically states that this scenario is a scam. Law enforcement agencies and courts will not demand immediate payment for fines over the phone, nor will they threaten immediate arrest if a call is disconnected. Furthermore, legitimate authorities will never instruct individuals to purchase gift cards, load money onto prepaid cards, or use barcodes at retail locations to settle fines or warrants. These methods are hallmarks of fraudulent operations.

Residents are advised to protect themselves by refraining from sharing personal or financial information with unsolicited callers. It is crucial not to send money or make payments under duress or threats made over the phone. Documents or warrants received via text message should not be trusted as proof of a caller’s legitimacy. If a suspicious call is received, the recommended course of action is to hang up and independently contact the relevant agency or court using a verified phone number obtained through official channels. In instances where an individual believes they have fallen victim to such a scam, they should promptly report the incident to their local law enforcement agency and their financial institution. The department reminds the public that scammers are adept at impersonating various officials, including police officers, government employees, and court personnel, and urges residents not to succumb to pressure tactics based on fear or urgency. This information is being shared to help friends, family members, and particularly vulnerable individuals avoid becoming victims of these predatory schemes.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Waynesboro Police Department.

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