Police department warns of phone scam

The Findlay Police Department is warning residents of a phone scam circulating through the city. According to a post on social media, the police department's dispatch center has taken several calls from citizens who have been contacted by supposed police officers or members of other law enforcement agencies. The caller tells the resident that the resident has missed jury duty or has a warrant, then begins to ask for personal information and instructs the resident to purchase gift cards to pay off their fines. The police department reminds residents that this is common phone scam, and that law enforcement agencies will not contact community members by phone to make payments. "Any legal matter requiring a fine would be addressed through the mail and should be verified in person, or by contacting the court listed on the notice by a number that you have verified (not one listed on the notice)," the police department said. "Any request for gift cards should automatically be a red flag and is always a scam. Please do not provide personal information or financial information to these callers."