Beware of Latest Phone Scam

A court-related scam is causing problems in Forsyth County.

Since the beginning of July, a number of Forsyth County residents report they have gotten calls telling them they have missed their court date or have failed to show up for jury duty. According to the Forsyth County Sheriff's Department, the caller says the person can avoid being arrested if they pay a fine within a few hours. "That is not how we conduct business,” says Chief Deputy Sheriff Brad Stanley.

According to Chief Deputy Sheriff Stanley, the false ‘fine' can average $500 to $1,000. He urges people who get one of these calls to turn the table on these scammers. "Collect as much information from the caller. Do not give any personal information as far as your name, your birthday, your social security number or any financial information," warns Chief Deputy Sheriff Stanley. "Then immediately call the sheriff's office." The non-emergency phone number for the Forsyth County Sheriff's Department is 336-917-7001.

Investigators from the sheriff's office and from the Winston-Salem Police Department are working to catch the culprits.