Jury Duty Scams
You may get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the BCSO saying that you missed jury duty (sometimes the scammer says federal jury duty). The caller may know your name, address, date of birth, and even the last time you voted as a way to seem official. They may tell you the call is confidential and you cannot discuss it with anyone including your spouse. The caller is going to make you think you are in big trouble. The BCSO will never call saying that you missed jury duty. This is scam.
Bail Scams
You may be called by someone claiming to work at the jail asking you to make a payment to bail out your friend or relative. You may also get a call from someone who you think is a relative asking you to make a payment over the phone or by going to a website they direct you to. These are more scams.
Phone Scams
The BCSO will NOT call you to let you know you are in trouble. Your caller ID may even say BCSO or Sheriff's Office. They will use real officer names. They will sound official. This is another scam.
Email Scams
Anytime you get an email asking you to click a link to make a payment or log onto your account, don't click the link. If you think you may owe money, go directly to the website and log into your account using the official website. Do not clink on links sent to you in emails. This is another scam.
Text Message Scams
Scammers are texting cell phones stating that you owe money for going through a FastPass toll. The amounts are often small dollar amounts, which make it seem legitimate. The state does NOT collect unpaid tolls through text message. This is NOT how tolls are collected. If you owe money for going through a FastPass or EZPass toll, you can go directly to the state's website or will be notified by the state in writing using US Postal Service mail.
Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency, and Gift Card Payment Scams
The BCSO and other government agencies don't ask you to pay a fine or make a payment using Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies, or gift cards. This is another scam. Government agencies do not ask people to make payments or pay fines using Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, or gift cards.
In general, it is best to NEVER make a payment over the phone or internet. Take time to research what you are being asked to pay. Contact the BCSO at 508-995-6400, or the local police, or a lawyer, or an accountant, or even another family member to see if you are being scammed.
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