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If you receive a phone call demanding you pay a fine or a warrant for your arrest for missing jury duty, hang up. This is a scam. Local authorities urge the public to be aware that such calls are increasing.

Daviess County Circuit Clerk Jennifer Besecker said jurors and the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office have received numerous calls about a person being asked to pay a fine for missing jury duty.

“Neither my office nor any law enforcement agency/office will ever call you demanding you pay a fine for missing jury duty,” Besecker said. “If you miss jury duty, our judges will not issue an arrest warrant. If you receive one of these phone calls, hang up immediately.”

If you have any concerns about one of these calls or want to check on the status of your jury duty service, Besecker said to call his office at 270-687-7061 or 270-687-732 to speak directly with his staff. You can also call DCSO at 270-685-8444.

The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office and the Owensboro Police Department shared similar messages following recent scam attempts in which callers impersonated law enforcement officers.

Earlier this year, DCSO Capt. Jeff Payne stated that the agency had received reports of callers claiming to be DCSO personnel requesting payment over the phone for “missed court dates or unpaid fines.”

“They are very persuasive and always make it urgent,” Payne said. “Ask for a call back number and then call a known law enforcement number..if they say they can’t wait it’s a scam. “Do not let them transfer you as they will transfer you to one of the scammers posing as law enforcement.”

Just last week, OPD released a statement saying scammers are making phone calls posing as officers and asking for money.

“Please be aware that our citizens have been contacted by an unknown individual (or group) pretending to be affiliated with the Owensboro Police Department. According to a statement from OPD, we are receiving numerous reports that the police department’s number will appear on your caller ID and they are reportedly using the names of police officers. “These people are telling people they missed jury duty and were fined large sums of money. … The Owensboro Police Department will never contact you and demand money or threaten arrest unless the money is paid.”

You can find more information about phone scams and other common scenarios by visiting ftc.gov/scams or reporting a scam at ftc.gov/complaint.