I could hear the intense voice through the phone. Someone from the Sheriff’s Office in Fayette County informed our daughter that she had been called for jury duty a few months ago but had not shown up. They instructed her to turn herself in and face incarceration for 14-30 days.

Through tears, she asked questions as her voice shook and her heart raced. “I don’t understand!” she said again and again. The jury notification had gone to her previous address, yet the man claimed she had signed for it and shown an ID. She knew that was impossible. Still, he had all her personal information.

I was praying while her dad tried to reach someone who would know the truth.

After several minutes of panic, tears and near hysteria (all completely understandable), our daughter called the real Sheriff’s Office in Fayette County and found it was all a scam.

With jerky sobs, she told us what they had told her. The relief was enormous. She went to lie down for a minute.

We found out shortly after that several others in the Lexington area had received the same call. I was angry. Our daughter was absolutely horrified. How could someone do such a heartless thing? No money was involved or asked for, so what did they have to gain? Did I mention I was angry? I stewed for a bit.

According to the internet, the definition of “scam” is a dishonest scheme; a fraud.

The Bible describes a scammer more dangerous than the guy who had called our daughter: Satan, the devil, our enemy. Jesus clearly described him in John 8:44, “He is a liar and the father of lies.” First Peter 5:8 encourages us to watch out for him: “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

In the first book of the Bible, Satan did not tempt Eve to steal, kill or lie, but to question God (Genesis 3). Through the whole book, he swayed men and women alike with sex, power and money – to name a few. They found themselves left in ruin, mauled by the roaring lion. These days, Satan has many more tricks up his sleeve: drugs, alcohol, gambling, pornography, apathy, self-absorption and busyness. He knows his days are short, so he is laser-focused trying to cause as much chaos as he possibly can.

Almost two thousand years ago, Paul wrote in Ephesians 6, “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes…so when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground…” Good words for 2025.

I wrote a note to the person who called my girl:

Dear Mr. Scammer,

I want to punch you in the face. How could you be so heartless? How could you be so mean? You rip out a person’s heart faster than a surgeon. You fill your victims with fear.

I want to say I hate you for the harm you cause, but I am not supposed to hate. I very, very, very much dislike you and hope all of your crops are eaten by locusts.

Sincerely, The mother of a scammed one.