Officials investigating calls demanding money for missed jury duty, warrants

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of a new telephone scam where people claim to be deputies and demand money for missed jury duty or warrants.

The Sheriff’s Office says it does not contact residents demanding money or threatening arrest over missed jury duty or warrants. Authorities have received multiple phone calls from citizens stating they have been contacted by an individual claiming to be “Lt. Justin O’Brien” with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect then provides a false story regarding missing jury duty or a warrant that was issued for the victim(s) requiring payment in order to take care of the issue.

Officials say the scammers have a phone number with a 269 area code, which is why they may appear to be legitimate.

The office is asking residents to call Cass County Dispatch at 269-445-1560 to verify the identity of the person calling, should they receive a call from someone claiming to be with the county who is asking for money.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting an investigation into these incidents.