The Pennsylvania State Police are warning Berks County residents about a scam in which callers falsely claim to be deputies with the Berks County Sheriff’s Department and demand money from victims over an alleged missed jury duty warrant.
According to Pennsylvania State Police Troop L in Reading, victims have reported receiving phone calls or other electronic messages claiming they have a warrant for their arrest because they failed to report for jury duty. The callers tell victims they must pay money to have the warrant removed.
State police said the scammers identify themselves using the title “Deputy” and various names while pretending to represent the Berks County Sheriff’s Department.
Investigators said the scammers instruct victims to visit stores such as CVS, Walmart or other retailers, where they are told to use a screenshot of a barcode provided by the caller. Victims are then directed to present the barcode to a store clerk and load money onto the associated account, transferring the funds to the scammer.
State police emphasized that neither the Berks County Sheriff’s Department nor any other law enforcement agency will contact someone to demand payment to resolve a warrant, especially through gift cards, barcodes or similar payment methods. Authorities also said legitimate law enforcement agencies would never direct someone to a retail store to make such a payment.
Anyone who receives one of these calls or messages is advised to hang up immediately and avoid sending any money or sharing personal information.
Residents who believe they have been targeted by a scam can report it to the appropriate agency, including the Federal Trade Commission, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office or local law enforcement.
Additional information about the Pennsylvania State Police is available at the agency’s website.
