A phone scam is targeting locals, the caller posing as a DeKalb County deputy, warning people they have unpaid citations and could go to jail if they do not pay immediately. The scam has also extended to the local jury as Circuit Court Clerk Susan Martin says a scammer is calling people, claiming they missed jury duty and must pay a fine.

In a warning issued by Sheriff Patrick Ray, the sheriff is urging residents not to fall for the scam and to contact law enforcement if they are targeted.

According to Ray, the caller has been identifying himself as Lt. Lance Watson or Lance White of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. During the call the fake officer tells the intended victims that he has citations against them and that they owe fines. He then tells them they must purchase a pre-paid card to pay their fines or they will be arrested. As a bit of proof, the fake officer offers a number to a warrants division where the victims can obtain more information. However, anyone who calls the number will get an answering message claiming they will get back with you.

Sheriff Ray pointed out his office does not do business by calling citizens in an attempt to collect fines, therefore any such call is a scam. Anyone who gets such a call should hang up and not give the caller any information.

The Circuit Court Clerk suggests the same action for those being called about not showing up for jury duty.

"We don't do things that way," Martin said, noting the complaint she received was from a woman who wasn't on the jury pool. And, like the threats about citations, the person was threatened with imprisonment if they did not pay the fine with a prepaid card.