Watch Out for Walla Walla Area Jury Duty Scam

Missing jury duty is considered serious and significant, BUT authorities will NEVER contact you demanding money to avoid staying out of jail. But apparently somebody (or people) are hoping you take the bait.

The Walla Walla County Sheriff's office issued a bulletin recently warning people about a new scam going around.

People have been reporting that a caller notifies them that they've missed jury duty. The caller identifies themselves from either the Walla Walla Sheriff's Department, or the City of Walla Walla or College Place Police Department. Some reports indicate the caller may be using what's called a Spoofing device that makes the call look like it's from those departments. The caller ID might say it's one of those agencies.

The caller claims there's an active warrant for the victim's arrest, but they can avoid prosecution and jail time if they agree to purchase a $500 money transfer card. They are then given directions of where to send the money so they won't go to jail.

County officials say this is a complete scam, NO law enforcement agency will ever demand a citizen do this to avoid jail time. If you receive such a call, please notify the dispatch number for Walla Walla at (509)-572-3265. If possible, try to get as much information from the caller as you can. Every bit helps.