GADSDEN, Ala.– The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam circulating in the area involving callers falsely claiming to represent local law enforcement or the Circuit Clerk’s Office.

According to the sheriff’s office, scammers are contacting citizens and telling them they missed jury duty and must immediately pay a fine to avoid arrest. Victims are often instructed to send money through prepaid gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or electronic payment apps.

Officials stress that these calls are fraudulent.

The sheriff’s office emphasized that deputies will never call and demand money over the phone, and the Circuit Clerk’s Office will never request payment by phone to avoid arrest. Law enforcement also does not accept payment through gift cards, Cash App, Venmo, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.

Authorities say scammers frequently “spoof” phone numbers to make it appear the call is coming from a local government agency, making the scheme seem more convincing.

Residents who receive a suspicious call are urged to:

• Hang up immediately

• Avoid providing personal or financial information

• Never send money

• Report the incident to the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office

Anyone unsure whether a call is legitimate should hang up and contact the sheriff’s office directly using the official phone number listed on its website or verified social media pages.

Officials encourage the public to share the warning, especially with elderly family members who are often targeted by scammers.