Police in Renton are warning residents about a very version of the “jury duty scam” that has apparently reared its head in Renton again.

According to posts on social media by the department, the victim was contacted by a man posing to be a member of the “police department” (non-specific), including providing a name and fake badge number. he told the victim she had incurred a fine of more than $4,500 because of missing jury duty. He said the fine must be paid immediately of the victim would be arrested.

The suspect then instructed the victim to purchase Kroger Reload Cards from QFC in the amount of the fine. The suspect told the victim to stay on the phone with him the whole time she was in the process of obtaining the money and purchasing the re-load cards, presumably, according to police, so the victim couldn’t call somebody else to ask about this process or to call 911.

The victim went to her bank, withdrew $4,500 in cash, and then went to QFC in Newcastle. Thankfully, a store clerk saw what was happening and then informed the victim that this was a popular scam.

The victim explained about the phone call and then handled the phone (with the suspect still on the line) to the manager. When the manager asked the suspect to identify himself, he attempted to intimidate the manager by stating he was “interfering in police business.” When the manager pressed further, the suspect hung up. The manager then called 911 to report what happened.

Responding officers explained this is not how the courts would resolve a missed jury duty complaint.

Remember, the actual police will never call your house to ask for money to pay a fine. If you have any suspicion that someone calling or mailing you and claiming to be an officer is not an officer, call the police department to verify the information the caller is giving you.