HARTWELL, Ga. – The Hart County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam in which callers impersonate law enforcement and demand money from victims.
Sheriff Chris Carroll said the agency received multiple reports Tuesday from citizens who were contacted by someone falsely claiming to be with the sheriff’s office. The caller told victims they had missed jury duty and now had a warrant for their arrest. The scammer then instructed them to come to the sheriff’s office, but also warned they would be arrested upon arrival.
From there, Carroll said, the caller attempted to pressure victims into paying money over the phone to “resolve” the warrant, requesting payment through Bitcoin or other electronic methods.
“This is a scam,” the sheriff’s office said in its alert, emphasizing that law enforcement will never call demanding payment. The agency also stressed that it does not accept Bitcoin or any electronic payment for warrants, fines, or jury-duty issues.
Residents who receive such a call are urged not to send money or provide personal information. Instead, officials advise hanging up and contacting the Hart County Sheriff’s Office directly at (706) 376-3114 to verify the claim.
Carroll asked the community to share the warning so others do not become victims.
