Residents of Lawrence County are being warned about a fraudulent scheme that has recently resurfaced, with reports of individuals being targeted as recently as Tuesday morning. This scam, known as the grand jury scam, involves callers impersonating officials and making alarming claims about potential arrests. It is crucial for community members to remain vigilant and to inform others about this deceptive practice.
In response to these troubling reports, WLX Radio reached out to District Attorney Brent Cooper for his insights. He noted that he has received numerous inquiries from worried citizens who have been contacted by scammers claiming they face arrest for various alleged offenses. These callers typically offer a dubious option: pay a sum of money to avoid being taken into custody. Cooper firmly stated, “I can say unequivocally that this is a scam. No one in the court system or in law enforcement is going to call an individual who has an active warrant and demand money from them.”
To protect themselves, Cooper advises anyone who receives such a call to inform the caller that they will be reaching out to law enforcement before hanging up. He emphasizes the importance of not disclosing any personal information, such as addresses or social security numbers, to these scammers. By staying informed and cautious, residents can help safeguard themselves and their community from falling victim to this fraudulent scheme.