MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. (Sept. 25, 2017) — Telephone scam frightens victims into sending money or face jail.

Tom Mapes MCSO Public Information Officer says the Madison County Sheriff’s Office has been notified of threatening phone by alleged law enforcement.

Mapes says victims will receive calls that the person has failed to appear for jury duty and they will be fined or even jailed unless some kind of payment is made, often the caller will use the name of a judge as part of the scam.

Sheriff John Mehr urges anyone who gets a call like this to hang up and absolutley do not to send money or debit cards.

Sheriff Mehr says that neither his office or judges make calls demanding money.

Please report any suspicious calls to the Madison County Sheriffs Department, 713-423-6000