The Kalispell Police Department is warning Flathead Valley residents about a new scam in which the scammers are impersonating local law enforcement and court employees.

“The scammer is telling the victims that they have missed jury duty and as a result there has been a warrant issued for their arrest,” Police Chief Roger Nasset wrote in a news release.

“The victim is then told that if they do not pay the outstanding warrant immediately, they will be arrested and incarcerated.”

In some cases, the scammer may have some personal information regarding the target.

The target is then told he or she can only pay by credit card and must make the payment immediately. Often, the caller asks the target to stay on the cellphone line while he or she goes to a local retailer to buy a pair of $1,000 cards, then give the scammer the numbers.

Nasset reminded people that local law enforcement and local courts do not demand payment over the phone.

He advised those targeted by the scam to tell the scammer they will call back, then call law enforcement.