I wanted to let people know about this scam as it was very convincing. A man who called himself, Sgt. Randy Newton called my work from the phone number 785-543-0415 Ext. 13. Since I was not working that day, my secretary gave me the information, when I called the phone number, I was told I reached the Ellis County Police Department’s Warrant and Citation Department. I left my name and phone number.
It was not long before I received a phone call back from “Sgt. Newton.” He explained that I was supposed to have jury duty today, and that I had missed it. I told him I never received notice for jury duty. He said there were two warrants out for my arrest — one for failure to appear and one for contempt of court.
Mind you, I have never been in trouble with the law, so I have no idea how such legal proceedings work. I was the perfect victim. He told me that there was a bond set for my warrants that would remain until vouchers were sent to the Department of Treasury. I would need to go to the Kwik Shop, get a voucher for $500, and mail the voucher to the Department of Treasury. He would remain on the line with me until this was done. Once this was done, the warrants would be put on hold.
I could then go to the Sheriff’s Department for a court date. I would also be able to file a grievance with the court regarding this issue. I could tell no one until I had my court date as there was a gag order in regards to this case. Again, I have no idea how this stuff works. He was very convincing, and he was even calling from the Ellis Police Department’s number. Luckily, my husband came home, and he did not think this situation made sense to him.
I have also been sick, so I’m not thinking the best either. He called the real Ellis Police Department, and he told them what was going on. They told him it was a scam. I immediately confronted the guy one the phone, and he hung up. My point is that the scammers are getting better and better. I’ve decided that I would rather have a police officer show up at my door then give anyone anything from here on out.
Please tell your friends, your parents, and anyone else, so they do not become victims of this scam.
Jennifer Colby, Ellis County