A nationwide phone scam is continuing to affect Hawaii residents, who have been called by people impersonating deputy sheriffs demanding fees for outstanding warrants, the state Department of Public Safety said Wednesday.

The calls began earlier this month. A person is called and told that there is a warrant for their arrest because he or she did not show up for jury duty or court.  The impersonator is telling people that they will come and arrest them, unless they pay a fee by phone to have the warrant cleared.  

The state Public Safety Department, which oversees the operations of deputy sheriffs, said they do not and will not call people about warrants having to do with jury duty or solicit the purchase of anything.   

Anyone receiving such a call should alert the Sheriff Division at 586-1352.