For Immediate Release

October 12, 2017

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla— For the second time in less than a week Walton County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of an ongoing phone scam involving suspects claiming to be affiliated with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.

When residents in Walton County come home today they may have a voicemail for failure to appear at a jury summons. THIS CALL IS A SCAM.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office has received numerous calls from citizens who are reporting a recording on their phones claiming they have failed to appear for jury duty and have a warrant for their arrest. The scammer then goes on to say the warrant can be taken care of by paying a fine; they leave a phone number and ask you to call 850-859-4086 if you have any questions.

This number leads to a recording claiming to be the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. IT IS NOT the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. Our official non-emergency line is (850)-892-8111.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to remember:

• A law enforcement officer will never ask for cash in the event a family member has a warrant.
• Do NOT wire transfer or purchase gift cards for anyone claiming to be a law enforcement officer or any other government representative.
• Never give out or confirm personal financial or other sensitive information over the phone.
• Verify, verify, verify.

If you have become a victim of this scam you are asked to call the Walton County Sheriff’s Office at (850)-892-8111.