The Orange County Sheriff's Office wants to prevent citizens from being victims of an apparent scam that has recently occurred.   

Sheriff Keith Merritt said several citizens have called in the past hour reporting they received a call from someone stating they were a deputy with the Orange County Sheriff's Office and were asked to send money to prevent being arrested for failing to appear for jury duty.

The caller is asking for a credit card number or for prepaid money cards to be purchased and those card numbers be given to the caller.

Sheriff Merritt stated that the Orange County Sheriff's Office is NOT making calls regarding warrants or arrests and that anyone receiving these calls should NOT give any credit or money card numbers to anyone that calls and solicits money in that manner.

Citizens are reminded to always be mindful of scams or fraudulent activity and if you have any concerns, to ask for a name and return phone number.

Legitimate businesses or organizations will always give you the opportunity to call and verify the validity of any type of monetary transaction.

If you have been a victim of any type of telephone scam, we urge you to contact your local law enforcement agency.

More information regarding phone scams (what they are and how to deal with them) can be found at this link https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0076-phone-scams