The San Bernardino County Grand Jury warns residents that scammers are asking people to pay money due to missing a summons for a grand jury appearance. A resident was recently contacted by an alleged Sheriff’s lieutenant, who said an arrest warrant had been issued because the person had failed to appear before the San Bernardino County Grand Jury. The victim was given a telephone number, an amount for a fine (about $500), and instructions on how to obtain a cash card to pay the fine over the telephone. Once the card was obtained, the victim called the phone number, gave the scammer the cash card information, and was provided a date, time, judge’s name, and a court room number to appear before the Grand Jury, all of which was incorrect. The scam was revealed once the victim found the real Grand Jury’s room. The Sheriff’s Department, the Court, and the Grand Jury never make calls to ask for money over the phone. Anyone who receives such a call should take down the information and call the Grand Jury Office at 909-387-3820.
