RICHMOND — Phone scammers impersonating Virginia State Police have been making fraudulent phone calls to Virginia residents claiming to have warrants for their arrest for missing jury duty.
Virginia State Police (VSP) said it has had several incidents where residents were contacted by a caller claiming to be Trooper Cole Jackson or Lt. Cole Jackson.
After making contact, the scammer claims that they have missed jury duty and state a warrant will be issued for their arrest but this can be avoided by paying a nominal fee upfront, police said.
The scammer will then attempt to provide instructions to make a wire transfer.
As scammers often use spoofing applications and/or other forms of technology to falsely represent false phone numbers they are calling from, the phone numbers vary and change often, police said.
The Virginia State Police stress neither to nor any law enforcement agency would ever demand money in lieu of an arrest or consequential action.
Anyone who has been a victim of this impersonator or who hase any questions or concerns in reference to this scam are asked to contact the Virginia State Police at 757-253-4923.
