VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Jenny Christian says her mom almost fell victim to a scam this week.
The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office says the scammers will tell their victims they missed jury duty and need to pay up.
The price scammers demand you to pay anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Multiple people have posted on social media apps saying they got the call too.
One person wrote the scammers called their work and asked for them by name.
“Put it out on your Facebook, your Instagram, your Snapchat, whatever you use, let your friends know that law enforcement will never ever call you and ask for money over the phone,” said Capt. Rocky Holcomb.
Christian says she wrote to the sheriff’s office on Facebook, and within minutes told her the call her mom received was in fact a scam.
“It really is a shame that they prey on people like this that don’t know any better,” said Christian.
Deputies say the Virginia Beach Circuit Court may call to find out why you missed jury duty, but they will never ask for money over the phone as a punishment.
Deputies say if you get a call and are worried it could be fake, you can call the jury office directly at 757-385-4589.
If you believed you have been scammed, you can call the Virginia Beach Economic Crimes unit at 757-393-8581.