Phone scam affecting the Purchase Area

Local authorities are reporting another local phone scam.

According to the officers, a man has been calling people and telling them there’s a warrant for their arrest because they have missed federal jury duty. The man tells the victim the warrant will be withdrawn if they will send him $500.

Police say the man tells the victim to go to a local Walgreen’s, CVS or Wal-Mart and buy a Green Dot Money Card. The victim is then instructed to call the man back with the numbers off of the Green Dot Money Card.

The caller reportedly identifies himself as a deputy with the county sheriff’s office. If you call the number on the caller ID, the voice mail system says you have reached the county sheriff’s office but it does not state which county.

Sheriff deputies are urging residents not to fall for this scam.

A law enforcement agency will never call you to tell you to send them money to have a warrant or summons withdrawn.

If you receive one of these calls, simply hang up on the caller and do not call them back.