BENTON, Illinois — Local authorities are sounding the alarm about a scam that targets residents under the guise of requiring them for jury duty. A judge from the Benton area has issued a warning for citizens to be vigilant and recognize the telltale signs of fraudulent activity related to jury summons.
The judge noted that scammers have been impersonating court officials, claiming that individuals have failed to report for jury duty. Victims are often informed that a warrant for their arrest will be issued if they do not respond immediately or provide personal information. This approach has caught many off guard, leading to concerns about the potential financial and legal implications for those targeted.
In many cases, the con artists demand payment over the phone, often using the urgency of legal repercussions as leverage. Officials emphasize that the court system will never request payment via telephone, a crucial detail that residents should remember to avoid falling victim to these schemes.
The judge stressed the importance of verifying any jury duty notification received through official channels. Residents are encouraged to directly contact the local courthouse to confirm whether they have any outstanding jury obligations, rather than responding to unsolicited calls or messages from unknown numbers.
This warning comes as reports of similar scams have surfaced across the country, with varying methods employed by fraudsters. Benton’s local judicial authorities are collaborating with law enforcement to educate the community about these tactics, hoping to minimize the number of incidents.
Citizens are advised to spread the word and inform friends and family about the potential for these scams, particularly among older adults who may be more susceptible to such deceptive practices. By raising awareness, local officials hope to protect the community from being manipulated by these fraudulent schemes.
Those who believe they have been victims of this particular scam are urged to report their experiences to law enforcement, providing details that may help in investigations. The community’s resilience and collaboration can significantly diminish the effectiveness of such scams.
For more personalized assistance or further inquiries related to jury duty, individuals should seek out resources directly from the court, ensuring they receive accurate information.
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