Sheriff Carolyn Welsh has issued a warning to Chester County residents regarding a phone scam. 

Last week, Welsh said, “There is an organized effort on the part of individuals attempting to scam residents of Chester County. We need to inform our citizens that these calls are bogus and do not originate here in the Chester County Sheriff’s Office.” 

In several parts of the county, residents are being targeted by bogus phone calls and threatened with arrest on a bench warrant for failing to report for jury service in Chester County Court. 

In some reported cases, the bogus callers identify themselves using the name of an actual Chester County Deputy Sheriff, and the caller ID appears as if the call is actually being made from a sheriff’s office number. In other cases, the bogus caller says they are a member of a “Warrant Department” and uses ranks and titles that seem to be legitimate. 

Welsh said, “All residents should be warned to never share sensitive information with anyone you don’t know. Unfortunately, there are criminals who use many types of scams and frauds to take advantage of individuals and families. We need to provide all information possible to protect our citizens.” 

Anyone receiving such a telephone call should not provide any requested information, and should hang up and contact their local police department. They can also notify the Jury Services Office 610-344-6174.