Look Out Montana! Unique Scam Alert Spreading Around

We have seen all sorts of scams over the years, but this one is new and inventive.

It's that time of the year when several scams will pop up throughout Montana, and we already have seen our first one. Some scams pose themselves as charities and try to fleece locals of their hard-earned money, but most scams put pressure on folks to pay fines that don't exist.

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Scams usually pose as a person working for the police or another law enforcement agency and tell the victim they owe hundreds of dollars in fines or taxes and must pay now or face jail time.

It can be scary because these phone scam calls come from local numbers, so they can seem legit. Well, we have another you need to know.

ABC Montana reports the new phone scam plaguing Gallatin County deals with someone posing as working for the county or justice center telling callers they owe $500 for missing jury duty.

Several locals have sadly fallen for this scam. The Gallatin County Clerk's Office wants to let locals know they will never demand payments for jury matters. Plus, you will be notified through certified mail if you have upcoming jury duty.

What should you do if you receive one of these calls? Immediately hang up and call local law enforcement.

This scam might be happening in Gallatin County, but this problem could spread throughout Montana. Everyone needs to be aware and keep themselves safe from these criminals.

Make sure you stay safe this holiday season, and if you get a phone call that seems fishy, don't hesitate to call the police.

For more details, check out ABC Montana.