SPOKANE, Wash. – A Spokane resident was targeted by a scam involving a fake jury duty call. The resident received a call from a restricted number on a Tuesday morning, with the caller claiming to be from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.
“This is the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, you did not show up for jury duty and you received a summons,” said Sara Walch.
Initially skeptical, Walch thought, “My first instinct was well, this is a scam.” However, the caller persisted, phoning her back from a number that appeared to be the Sheriff’s Office, which made her nervous. “That’s when I started panicking, that’s when I said, ‘Oh my God, this is real,'” Walch recalled.
The caller, identifying himself as a deputy, provided a badge number, a report number and personal information about Walch, including her maiden name and address. He claimed she would be arrested for failing to appear for jury duty and would face 72 hours in jail. Alarmed, Walch said, “I can’t go to jail even for 72 hours.”
The scammer then instructed Walch to withdraw money from her bank account, initially demanding $4,000. The amount was later reduced to $2,500, citing her clean record. The caller referred to the money as “collateral” to be sent to the courthouse through an ATM system, assuring her it would be returned. Despite her growing doubts, Walch was told, “Well, you’re going to get it right back.”
While at a convenience store ATM, Walch texted her husband, who then contacted the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed, “No sir, that was a scam; tell her to hang up.”
The Spokane Police Department has confirmed that this type of scam is part of a nationwide trend. They urge residents who receive similar calls to avoid disclosing personal information, refrain from sending money, contact local authorities to verify the claim, and file a report with Crime Check at 509-456-2233.
Walch has a warning for others: “They’re getting slick and anyone can be fooled.”
