Residents in South Kitsap County are being warned by the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office about an ongoing telephone scam that has reared its ugly head once again.

The Kitsap County Clerk told deputies that a person purporting to be a representative of the sheriff’s office has been calling potential, unsuspecting victims to inform them that they have failed to appear for jury service or “grand jury duty.” The caller warned that a warrant will be, or has been, issued for their arrest.

Here’s how the scam typically progresses: the person receiving the call replies that they’ve not received any notice concerning jury duty service. The caller then informs the victim that they are still responsible for not appearing for jury duty as instructed.

Here’s where the potential payoff takes place: The caller then advises that to avoid arrest, they must pay a sum of money by credit card in order for the warrant to be “lifted” or “quashed.”

This scam has resurfaced after plaguing some residents during the spring of 2014.

Sheriff Gary Simpson said that while the scammer’s storyline is the same, a new tagline has been added. The perpetrator then alleges that a federal warrant could be issued for the person’s arrest.

“In the simplest terms, this is a scam,” Simpson said. “Don’t become a victim.”

In reality, sheriff’s office spokesman Scott Wilson said, the sheriff’s office has no role in jury administration. Court services and jury administration are under the sole purview of the county clerk.

“All communications regarding jury duty are sent to county residents in writing,” Wilson added. “Neither the sheriff’s office nor the county clerk’s office — or any county government department — will initiate telephone communication with residents about jury duty, nor threaten anyone about missing jury duty. Warrants of arrest are not issued for failing to appear for jury duty.”

Questions about jury service should be addressed to the Office of the Kitsap County Clerk, jury administration, at 360-337-7166, extension 6. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.com/jnconx6.