PSP warn of sheriff-impersonation scam after Hempfield woman loses $11,250
A Hempfield Township woman was told she missed jury duty and pressured to pay a bitcoin ‘fine,’ losing $11,250; authorities warn against paying via crypto, gift cards or wire transfer.
On July 27, Pennsylvania State Police say a 52-year-old Hempfield Township woman was contacted by an unknown caller claiming to be Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office staff who said she missed jury duty and needed to pay a fine in bitcoin to avoid arrest. The victim reported losing $11,250. Authorities — citing the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office — urge people to hang up, never share personal information, and never pay fines with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency; report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.