CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Federal authorities in northern West Virginia are warning residents about a phone scam in which people present themselves as being part of the U.S. Marshals Service’s Northern District of West Virginia office.
The scam, according to U.S. Marshals, involves people pretending to be associated with the office in order to trick people into sending money. The callers say the person answering the phone failed to report for jury duty or another offense, and they can avoid arrest by purchasing a prepaid debit card or gift card and reading the card number over the phone.
Chief Alex Neville said people who receive these calls should call the FBI and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
“Our office is receiving multiple calls from local residents asking us why the Marshals are seeking money from them,” he said in a statement. “We want people to know these calls are scams.”
Anyone who calls can remain anonymous in their report.