Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace is warning area residents about a telephone scam in which people are told they have to pay a fine for failing to appear in court.

“We have received several calls from people in Warren County who said they have received calls from someone identifying themself to be a representative of the sheriff’s office and trying to collect a fine for not appearing in court,” he said.

“This is a scam. The sheriff’s office does not collect money for the court system, and people would not be called over the telephone about a fine.

“We are investigating these calls. We believe they are coming from out of state or possibly out of the country. If you get one of these calls, hang up.”

Under the scam, he said, people are told they failed to appear in court and told they owe a fine. They  are given instructions to go to a store and purchase a cash card. The victim then returns the call and gives the number of the cash card, which is used to collect the money. He said at least two people have paid the callers and one person has already paid $1,000 to the scammers.

If someone is going to be notified about any business with the court system, he said, they will be served a summons, which is an official court document, by a sheriff’s deputy, who will deliver it in person.

Anyone who has received one of these calls should call the Warren County Sheriff’s Office at 601-636-1761.