SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (BCN) - Sheriff's officials in Santa Cruz County are warning the public about a phone scam recently reported by residents.
According to sheriff's officials, on Thursday a few county residents received phone calls from (415) 347-9850.
The callers claimed they were from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office.
The callers inform the victims that they've missed jury duty and must pay a fine or be arrested.
According to sheriff's officials, the victims are then instructed to purchase a Green Dot card at a Walgreens or CVS and once the payment is received, they can go to the sheriff's office to obtain a receipt.
Sheriff's officials said they, nor any other government agency, would ever ask for payment over the phone.
The public is urged to be cautious.
Anyone who is contacted by a government agency and asked to provide money over the phone is encouraged to call the agency directly for confirmation.