Orangeburg County sheriff warning of jury duty scam

ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell has announced that scammers are back and asking for increased amounts a potential victim would pay.

The sheriff says investigators have been made aware of someone using the name of an Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Department deputy demanding money to get out of a warrant for missing jury duty.

“Usually, these thieves say you owe $500 or maybe a thousand dollars, now they’re demanding $3,000 for you to get out of a warrant for missing jury duty,” says the sheriff.

Also, the sheriff says OCSO does not call you with threats of an arrest for missing jury duty.

“If you actually miss jury duty, we come speak with you to see why you missed and money is never, ever exchanged for missing jury duty,” Sheriff Ravenell said.

Anyone receiving a call from 803-598-4019 is urged to hang up and call the OCSO at 803-534-3550.