(EFFINGHAM) The Effingham Police Department has issued a warning to to the public about a scam involving individuals impersonating police officers. The scammers are contacting residents by phone, claiming there’s an active warrant for their arrest due to missed jury duty. Victims are instructed to pay a fine immediately with gift cards to avoid arrest. In a new twist, the scammers are also offering to meet victims at random local locations to collect the “fine” in person. Authorities say these calls are designed to scare people into acting quickly without thinking. The public should know that no legitimate law enforcement officer will ever demand money over the phone or threaten arrest in this way and that police never ask for any type of payment over the phone as well. If anyone gets one of these calls, do not give out any personal information and simply hang up and report it to a local law enforcement agency.
