Sumter police warns public against jury duty, cryptocurrency scams

An increase in reports of a crypto currency scam has officers warning residents to be vigilant.

Sumter Police Department warned residents of a scam threatening individuals with arrest for failure to appear for federal jury duty and demanding payment with cryptocurrency to avoid prosecution.

There has been a recent increase in this particular scam. To make the threat appear real, the scammers, in some instances, are using an AI-generated flier that features a replica of an actual warrant, the police department's non-emergency number and an illustration of an officer as part of their ploy, the department said. Methods of payment are also included.

"Please remember that scams often use scare tactics, such as potential arrest, to force their victims to act before realizing this could be an attempt at fraud," the department said. "No local, state or federal law enforcement agency operates in this manner."

If someone receives a call, text or email of this kind, the police department says they should:

- Hang up. If the caller threatens arrest over missed jury duty or demands immediate payment, disconnect.

- Do not send cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency ATM transactions can be difficult or impossible to reverse.

- Verify independently. You can contact the court or law enforcement agency using a phone number you find from an official source - not one provided by the caller.

- Do not share information. Never give a caller your banking details, passwords, verification codes or personal information.

- Talk to someone you trust. Pause before acting on urgent demands. Scammers rely on fear, secrecy and pressure.

If you or someone you know may have been contacted and/or provided payment, contact law enforcement immediately.

For more information or to file a report, contact Sumter Police Department at (803) 436-2700.