SCAM ALERT: Fort Bend County residents warned of federal jury scam

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – Residents in Fort Bend County are being warned of a scam happening in the area—a scare tactic to get money out of people.

Crooks are impersonating law enforcement officers over the phone, according to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office.

They call you claiming they’re law officers collecting citation fines because you failed to show up for jury duty. They demand immediate over-the-phone payments, threatening to issue arrest warrants if you don’t pay up.

• MORE ON LOCAL SCAMS: How to avoid toll collection scams in Houston

The FBCO added that the scam is very elaborate. The callers can reference your full name and address, and they will identify themselves as real employees with the Sheriff’s Office to try to appear credible.

“We absolutely CANNOT stress this enough: The Sheriff’s Office DOES NOT call anyone requesting money or payment of any kind, for ANY reason!” the FBCSO’s public information office released in a statement.

• SEE ALSO: Job scams: Red flags, how to spot the differences when looking for work

The FBCO is cautioning everyone: DO NOT make payments or give out personal information—such as driver’s license numbers, social security numbers, or your date of birth.