By: Richard L. Smith
The Morris County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about an ongoing telephone scam in which criminals are impersonating law enforcement officers and falsely claiming victims have outstanding arrest warrants for missing jury duty.
According to information released by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are using sophisticated caller ID spoofing technology to make it appear as though calls are coming from the Sheriff’s Office’s legitimate phone number, (973) 285-6610.
Officials emphasized that while the number displayed may appear authentic, the calls are fraudulent.
During the scam, callers identify themselves as law enforcement officers and tell victims they have an active warrant for failing to appear for jury duty.
The scammers often pressure victims to remain on the phone and discourage them from contacting family members, attorneys, or law enforcement in an attempt to prevent them from verifying the claims.
To make the scheme appear legitimate, victims may also receive fake arrest warrants or other fabricated court documents featuring official-looking seals, signatures, and court information.
The Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that law enforcement agencies neverdemand payment to avoid arrest or resolve a warrant.
Officials also stressed they will never instruct anyone to send money through Bitcoin kiosks, gift cards, wire transfers, or other unconventional payment methods.
Residents who receive one of these calls are urged to hang up immediately, avoid sharing personal or financial information, and never send money.
Anyone unsure about the legitimacy of a call should contact the Morris County Sheriff’s Office directly using a trusted phone number obtained from an official source rather than relying on caller ID.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by the scam or has suffered a financial loss is encouraged to report the incident to the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities are also asking residents to share the warning with family, friends, and neighbors, especially older adults, who are frequently targeted by these types of fraud schemes.
Public awareness remains one of the most effective ways to prevent these scams.