Middlesex sheriff warns of bitcoin scam after Medford resident loses $7,500

Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian is warning residents of a bitcoin scammer impersonating law enforcement officers after a Medford resident lost $7,500, the department said in a statement.

The victim, who was not identified, received a call from a person saying they had a warrant for the resident’s arrest for failure to show up to jury duty, Koutoujian’s office said Thursday.

The impersonator then texted the victim a copy of a fake warrant, before directing them to pay a fine via bitcoin.

Law enforcement officials will never threaten arrest, or demand a payment of a fine or fee over the phone, Koutoujian and Medford Police Chief Jack Buckley said in the statement.

State agencies and offices don’t accept bitcoin, cryptocurrency or gold as payment for an outstanding fine or fee, the statement said.

Residents who receive these calls should hang up and call the main line to the department the caller claims to be from.

“These perpetrators are using the fear of arrest to convince residents to pay thousands of dollars to avoid incarceration,” Koutoujian said. ”That’s why it’s imperative we continue efforts alongside our law enforcement partners, councils on aging and others to spread the word about these scams.”

Buckley a noted that billions of dollars are lost every year to scams like these and that scammers often prey on some of the most vulnerable members in the community.

“We have a responsibility to continue educating our residents and reminding them that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never demand payment over the phone,” Buckley said. “If something doesn’t feel right, hang up and call the agency directly.”

Adam Sennott can be reached at adam.sennott@globe.com.