This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
It can sound pretty frightening. The male caller, identifying himself as a "Salt Lake County sheriff's deputy," claims you missed jury duty you didn't know you had — and handcuffs are in your future.
Well, unless you meet with a fictitious judge on a specific date and time, or pay up now to have an arrest warrant withdrawn.
Don't fall for it, though. That caller — and your peril of incarceration — are both bogus, says Unified Police Lt. Lex Bell.
Bell said Wednesday that the scammer even goes so far as to refer to a "Judge Baxter."
The only thing real about the call is the $500 you will be out if you follow the caller's instructions, usually involving going to a Smith's market to arrange a money order or wire for the cash.
Bell said sheriff's deputies, per se, have not existed for some time. That role is now filled by Unified Police officers — and they will never ask anyone for money over the phone, nor act on behalf of the courts in reconciling any outstanding fines.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call UPD at 801-743-7000.
Twitter: @remims