Cleveland County sheriff warns of phone scam

NORMAN – The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a telephone scam involving a man who impersonates an employee of the department.

Officials say they have received reports of a caller who falsely tells citizens that a warrant has been issued for their arrest because they missed jury duty. The suspect has told people that if he or she sends him money, they will not be arrested.

Sheriff Joe Lester says the calls are a scam and that his agency doesn’t conduct business like that. Lester says similar incidents have been reported to the sheriff’s office dating back to last May.

Lester recommends that people who receive such a call hang up and immediately call the sheriff’s office and report it. Citizens should not send money or meet the caller.