The Chester County Sheriff's Office has warned residents about phone scams involving false fines for failure to report to jury duty or other court appointments.

The Sheriff's Office has received numerous calls noting that the fraudulent calls seeking money are very convincing. For some, the caller ID shows Chester County Sheriff's Office.

In addition, scammers may use the name of a current Chester County judge and names of current or former sheriff deputies. Fraudsters may demand gift cards or urgent special bank transfers, claiming that the recipient was required to show up for jury duty, a meeting or a conference. Callers deliver ultimatums, including imminent arrest or loss of property for lack of immediate payment.

One individual lost $5,000 by responding to a false claim of missing a bail conference. Chester County detectives are investigating.

The Chester County Sheriff's Office will never call and request immediate gift card payments or cash transfers for missing jury duty or other similar fines. If someone receives such a request by phone, he or she should hang up. If a community member is unsure about the legitimacy of a call requesting immediate payment or fine, he or she should call local law enforcement or the Chester County Sheriff's Office at 610-344-6850.