BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Some Vermonters are out tens of thousands of dollars after scammers target Chittenden County residents.
In the past 24 hours since this article was posted, the Chittenden County Sheriff’s office received at least 150 phone calls about a reoccurring scam where robocallers and voicemails trick people into believing they’ll be arrested or fined for missing jury duty.
It’s a scam that’s been around for almost a year according to the sheriff’s office, but this time, they say it’s become more believable. Chittenden County Sheriff Dan Gamelin says if you miss jury duty, the first step is never a fine.
“They would show up at your door. They’re not going to call you, they’re not going to send a letter, they’re not going to send an email, they’re not going to threaten you over the phone: “if you don’t pay you’re going to get arrested,” said Sheriff Gamelin.
The sheriff adds that you should not share your social security number or your personal/financial information with anyone.