Williston, ND – Authorities in Williston are warning community members to be vigilant after multiple reports surfaced about a scam involving fake jury duty warrants. The scam involves fraudsters who impersonate county officials to extract money from unsuspecting residents, falsely claiming that they must pay a fine for failing to report for jury duty.
These con artists are contacting Williston residents, typically via phone, and using aggressive tactics to intimidate their targets, including threats of arrest. They often request immediate payment through prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, or other untraceable methods. Unfortunately, several people have already fallen victim to these scams, with some losing substantial amounts of money.
The Williams County Sheriff’s Office has responded by emphasizing that no court system in the area would ever handle jury matters in this manner. According to Sheriff Verlan Kvande, legitimate court officials do not call prospective jurors to demand money or request personal financial information over the phone.
To help the public differentiate between legitimate communications and scams, the sheriff’s office has laid out some guidelines. For example, any legitimate jury summons will be sent by mail, not by phone or email. Furthermore, any official fine related to jury service would only be imposed by a judge in a courtroom, not over the phone.
Moreover, residents are urged not to provide any personal information or make payments based on telephonic demands. If they receive such a call, they should hang up immediately and contact the sheriff’s office or the local court to report the incident and verify their jury duty status.
Community leaders, including consumer rights advocates, highlight the importance of awareness and education in combating these types of financial scams. Educational outreach events are being organized, which aim to equip residents with knowledge and tools to protect themselves against various forms of deception.
The Better Business Bureau has also been actively involved in raising awareness. According to their recent report, scams similar to the “jury duty warrant” scheme are on the rise across various states, targeting different demographics, particularly the elderly who may be less familiar with the judicial processes.
Residents of Williston are encouraged to join awareness sessions and familiarize themselves with the wide array of scams reported. Staying informed, confirming the sources of dubious communications, and refusing to engage with or respond to fraudulent provocations are essential steps in maintaining personal security and financial integrity.
Those who believe they or someone they know may have been a target of this scam are advised to report it not only to local law enforcement but also to the Federal Trade Commission and the North Dakota Attorney General’s Consumer Protection division to help prevent future incidents.
In conclusion, the rise of such scams not only poses a financial threat but also undermines trust in legitimate judicial and governmental processes. Authorities continue to work tirelessly to curb these malicious activities and ensure that justice is served both in the courts and in the community’s day-to-day lives.