Residents across the country are reporting an uptick in jury duty scams, with perpetrators becoming increasingly aggressive, law enforcement agencies warn. Scammers are contacting individuals, falsely claiming they face arrest for skipping jury duty and demanding payment for supposed fines.
The scammers are employing a variety of tactics to instill fear and elicit an immediate reaction. They often pose as law enforcement officers or court officials and may use real names and fabricated badge numbers to appear legitimate. Victims are usually told they can avoid arrest by paying a fine, typically requested in the form of prepaid debit cards or wire transfers.
According to authorities, these con artists often target the elderly and exploit their limited understanding of the legal system. The scam has been successful in several states, as many people are unaware that courts do not contact jurors in this manner nor demand payments over the phone.
In some elaborate versions of this scam, individuals are also told that they can verify the legitimacy of the call by hanging up and calling back using a number provided by the scammer. Unbeknownst to the victims, the callback number reroutes to the scammer’s phone, further convincing them of the call’s authenticity.
The increase in such scams has prompted law enforcement officials and court administrators to issue public advisories. They stress that any legitimate communication about jury duty is mailed to potential jurors and any communication threatening arrest for missing jury duty should be considered a red flag.
Victims of such scams are encouraged to hang up immediately and contact their local court system directly using contact information found on official government websites. Additionally, they should report the incident to their local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help track down these criminals.
Experts recommend that potential jurors stay informed about their civic duties and familiar with the process of jury selection in their jurisdiction. They advise skepticism of any communication demanding immediate payment or threatening legal consequences without due process.
Communities are also encouraged to share information about this scam, especially with vulnerable populations like seniors, who are most at risk. Educational programs and awareness campaigns are essential tools in combating this criminal activity.
While efforts continue to track and arrest the perpetrators behind these scams, the best defense remains a well-informed public that can recognize and report attempts at deception.
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