Summit County officials are warning residents about a rise in jury duty scam calls designed to scare people into sending money.

In these scams, callers pose as law enforcement or court officials and claim the person missed jury duty. The caller then says a warrant has been issued and demands immediate payment to avoid arrest.

The calls can appear legitimate because scammers often “spoof” phone numbers, making them look like they’re coming from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office or another government agency. The urgency and threat of jail time are meant to pressure victims into acting quickly.

County Executive Ilene Shapiro said the best defense is to slow down.

“Scammers exploit people who want to do the right thing,” Shapiro said. “But the safest move is to hang up and verify the call yourself.”

The Sheriff’s Office does not call residents about missed jury duty, warrants, or unpaid fines. Government agencies also never request payment by phone or ask for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other nontraditional forms of payment.

Anyone who receives a suspected jury duty scam call should hang up and report it to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 330-643-2181.

Officials say victims should not feel embarrassed about reporting scams, noting that these calls are becoming more sophisticated and widespread.