Several Dawson County residents, as well as out of state residents, have reported a phone scam after an unknown caller contacted them in an attempt to get them to send money.

According to Dawson County Sheriff-Elect Jeff Johnson, the reports state that last week a male caller contacted Dawson County residents claiming to be Lt. Richardson of the sheriff's office.

The caller tells citizens that they are subject to arrest for failing to appear for a federal grand jury summons, Johnson said. The caller then states they must obtain a "cashier's voucher" to make restitution. If they do not deliver the funds, the caller says they will be arrested.

Johnson said that there is no Lt. Richardson at the sheriff's office, and that the office is doing what they can to stop the scammer from taking money from citizens.

"The Dawson County Sheriff's Office will never call asking for money, nor threaten arrest for failing to comply," Johnson said. "I encourage all of our residents to exercise good common sense and judgment. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't."

Johnson verified that one of the people who reported the activity recognized that the call was a scam and did not send any money.

A similar scam targeted residents in 2014, and authorities then confirmed that one woman fell victim to the scam, losing $1,000.

Johnson also said that an IRS scam is on-going within the community, and asks that residents stay vigilant.

The sheriff's office encourages the public to feel comfortable contacting them with any concerns. If citizens receive a call like this they can report it at 706-344-3535 during business hours or at 706-344-3636 after hours.

To confirm if they have jury duty, residents can call the clerk of courts office at (706) 344-3510