Jury duty Warrant for arrest scam

I recently fell for a scam it involved some people who were impersonating sheriffs. They called my place of work asking for me by first and last name reception passed me the phone telling me there’s a sheriff that wants to speak with you so I answered the phone and they said I had a warrant out for my arrest for failing to appear in court for a federal jury case (jury duty).

They sounded very professional. I was panicking Of course I believed it because coincidentally I did miss and rescheduled jury duty the week before . I explained to them that I was confused I do have jury duty but it’s not until next month.they proceeded to tell me that is was an envelope that was mailed for the month of May that I did not respond to. I told them I never got anything in the mail.

They had my bf’s address and they wanted to confirm my address as well .Foolishly/panicking I confirmed my address and number . They said ok I need you to follow instructions if you hang up you will be arrested .Im going to call your personal number when you get my call you can hang up the work phone you will get a No Caller ID call . A second later I get what is supposedly a transfer call.

They proceed to tell me these are the steps you need to follow I want you to drive yourself to this address (legit sheriff station) but before you do I want you to know that there is a fee blah blah blah that you will get returned once this gets resolved .

(They give me instruction to keep them on the line until I arrive to the station) but before you arrive You can pay at any Kroger related store. The DOJ (department of justice ) has accounts to make it easier for people to pay I will send some bar codes to your phone you have a cashier scan them and tell them you want to add funds to a go to account Make sure they scan your ID and make sure you get receipts and bring those with you.

I thought this sounded weird but I was also unsure due to the fact they called my place of work . I proceeded to add funds and they went through. Then they say sorry there was some confusion with me I do apologize my Sergeant said you need to pay half of the amount i will have you speak with my sergeant they put another guy on the line and he talks professionally gives name badge number said I do apologize there was some confusion with my officer you will need to send additional funds I will send you more bar codes stupidly I did the same.

but this time another cashier said what are you doing because he said I looked really confused /panicked he asked me what’s going on and I said apparently I have a warrant for my arrest . This cashier took the phone and started arguing with the guy and he said I was being scammed and he hung the phone . I felt so stupid I never thought I would be the victim of a scam .I thanked him.

I went to the police filed a report . Called the store/bank to make them aware. I feel like an Idiot,violated and mentally drained. I wanted to post this because I don’t want anyone to fall for this scam .looking back why I feel stupid I should have either asked them to talk to a lawyer hang up and call the department myself. But I was in a panic mode they’re using scare tactics to scam people .if they call your place of work stay calm don’t panic. Hang up even if they threaten you with arrest. You can alway call the department yourself.