Phony ‘sheriff’ trying to bilk Philly residents

There appears to be a few phony sheriffs roaming Philadelphia.  And a city councilman is warning  people not to pay their ransom.

Councilman Curtis Jones has received complaints from constituents about callers who say they are from the Philadelphia sheriff’s office and demand money for missing jury duty. “A official sounding individual was representing the sheriff’s department talking about the fact that they had not complied with a summons, to be a part of a jury or something and put on a $400 or $500 fine,” Jones said.Sheriff Jewell Williams says the would-be scammer asks for the payment to be delivered to a check-cashing center.”If you get a call saying someone from the sheriff’s office is requesting money or requiring you go to a payment center, it’s illegal,” Williams warned.An investigation is under way into the phony  calls.