The Butler County Sheriff’s Office is warning Butler County residents of a scam spreading throughout the county.

Someone pretending to be law enforcement with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office–typically referring to himself as Deputy Johnson or Lieutenant Davis—is calling and threatening victims with arrest for missing jury duty, for which they could spend 72 hours in jail.

The would-be officer then describes a way to avoid jail time by asking victims to visit their local CVS or Walmart to wire $950 to the perpetrators.

Butler County Sheriff Kenny Harden said that this is simply untrue.

“That’s nothing but a scam,” Harden said.

“The sheriff’s office would not call and tell you that you’ve missed jury duty, or that you need to pay money to avoid going to jail.”

To those affected by the scam, Harden offered the simplest advice – ignore them.

“If these people call, hang up on them,” Harden said.

“Do not be alarmed, and do not give them any money.”

Area residents have also been receiving calls from the Georgiana Police Department seeking funds for a drug awareness and anti-bullying campaign.

The timing of the calls coinciding with the scam involving the Sheriff’s Office raised red flags for some citizens.

The calls are however legitimate, according to Chief David Scruggs.

“We’ve partnered with an outside company to help raise money for a drug awareness and anti-bullying campaign,” Scruggs said. “They are contacting local businesses asking for donations to help us purchase t-shirts to give to the kids when they return to school.”

 Andy Brown contributed to this report.