STAUNTON, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Staunton Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of a “Sheriff” scam in the area.

According to City Sheriff Chris Hartless, the office is receiving reports that community members are receiving phone calls that the Staunton Sheriff” is saying that they missed jury duty and now owe a specified amount of money to avoid going to jail.

The Staunton Sheriff’s Office will never call and request payment for missed court appearances or any other reason, so residents should not provide any personal information when receiving these calls.

File complaints through the Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.