A Sandy Springs resident lost $4,000 after a caller threatened him with arrest for missing jury duty, and police say the scheme traces back to a Georgia state prison.

The caller told the victim he had missed jury duty and would be arrested unless he paid immediately, according to Sandy Springs police. The victim sent $4,000 through Apple Cash. He also tried to send another $4,500, but that transaction did not go through, as WSB-TV first reported.

Detectives followed the money through multiple accounts and arrested a woman in connection with the scheme during the week of Oct. 12. She was booked into the Fulton County jail. Court documents allege an inmate at Ware State Prison directed how the stolen money was distributed, and detectives traced a phone used to contact the victim to inside or near that facility.

"We're realizing that the suspects in these cases are people who are already locked up," Sandy Springs Police Officer Jarrell Greene said.

The investigation is ongoing. Greene said police would never call and threaten someone with arrest over missed jury duty.

A growing pattern

The case fits a broader scam pattern that law enforcement agencies across Fulton County are tracking. The Fulton County Sheriff's Office warned the public in September about phone scams targeting families of people recently booked into the Fulton County jail.

In those cases, callers pose as bail bondsmen or jail officials and demand immediate payment to secure a loved one's release. The Sheriff's Office said scammers identify defendants by name, claim to know details about their case and demand money through cash apps or other hard-to-trace methods.

Scammers also use false claims about outbreaks or medical conditions inside the jail, threaten additional fees for missed court appearances, or claim a defendant needs to be moved for safety reasons. The callers may continue calling repeatedly even after a victim expresses suspicion, the Sheriff's Office said.

How to protect yourself

Police and the Sheriff's Office offer similar advice for anyone who receives a threatening call demanding payment:

  • Hang up. Legitimate law enforcement and court officials will not demand money over the phone through cash apps, gift cards or wire transfers.
  • Verify any claims directly with the court or jail using a number you look up yourself, not one the caller provides.
  • Block the number and document the date, time and details of the call.

Anyone who receives a suspicious call can contact the Sandy Springs Police Department or the Fulton County Sheriff's Office.