Local scam has caused people in the Ohio Valley to pay money because they’re scared of being arrested

The Belmont County Sheriff’s Department warns that a new phone scam is milking money out of citizens.

The caller claims to be from the sheriff’s department, using the name of an actual deputy, Sgt. Weekly.

Chief Deputy James Zusack says the scammer tells people they’ve missed jury duty and must immediately pay fines by gift cards or bitcoin, or else they’ll be arrested.

Chief Zusack says many people have paid, and others have come to the sheriff’s department, fearing that they’re about to be arrested.

The chief says the amounts of money the scammers have gotten from people have varied.

He says the scam started Wednesday but already dozens of people have been affected.

The chief deputy says when a person misses jury duty in Belmont County, they receive a letter, never a phone call demanding money.

He urges people not to comply with the scammer, saying the fact that innocent people have been victimized is “so sad.”

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