Beware Sonoma County court phone scam

Phone scammers are trying to scare local residents into sending them money by pretending to be law enforcement officers tracking down those who have failed to appear for jury duty, the Sonoma County Superior Court said in a press release issued Tuesday.

Court officials learned of a scam in which those called are told that they face a warrant for their arrest for failure to appear for jury duty, according to the release. Clearing the warrant requires a payment.

During such calls, the scammers have provided purported law enforcement titles and badge numbers.

Even so, callers should beware. The court system “does not call or email members of the public requesting money,” the release stated.

Those who receive such calls are advised to call local law enforcement and report a crime. Those who receive unsolicited emails requesting money for an outstanding warrant are advised to delete them.

For inquiries about jury service, call 521-6640.