The Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department warns residents to steer clear of a recent telephone scam.

On Saturday, the department received complaints from four county residents, who said a man, identifying himself as employed by the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department, called them and allegedly told them they had outstanding warrants and would be arrested if they didn’t pay the fine over the phone, Chief Deputy Shane Tucker said.

“He told one of the callers they owed the fine because they missed jury duty,” Tucker said.

The man allegedly told the callers to make the payment on a reloadable card and they were supposed to read the card number back to him, Tucker said.

The man identifies himself over the phone as either Lt. Greg Allen or Lt. Tyrell, Tucker said.

“Anyone receiving these calls needs to hang up and call the sheriff’s department,” Tucker said. “The sheriff’s department doesn’t collect those fines. None of our deputies collect fines.”

Any fines related to warrants or other criminal charges are handled by the Pearl River County Justice Court, which collects fines through the mail, Tucker said.

Throughout the investigation, the department found that the man’s number has since been disconnected, Tucker said.

Anyone with information on the man’s whereabouts can contact the sheriff’s department at (601) 403-2300.

Tucker said a similar scam attempt occurred recently in Lamar County.