GRETNA, La. – Residents of Jefferson Parish and other parishes in Louisiana have been targeted by a phone scam where individuals posing as law enforcement or court personnel demand payments for missed jury duty service or court appearances. The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court has issued a warning about this prevalent scam.
The scammers use tactics to make their calls appear legitimate, including displaying numbers that seem to be from law enforcement or court agencies and using the names of actual officers or court personnel. They demand immediate payment through various methods, such as prepaid credit cards, gift cards, wire transfers, cash, checks, kiosks, or even bank account and routing numbers.
However, Clerk of Court Jon Gegenheimer has emphasized that legitimate law enforcement and court agencies would never make such demands via phone or text. The Clerk of Court’s office emphasizes that residents should be cautious if anyone calls or texts asking for payment using prepaid credit cards, gift cards, wire transfers, or payment at a kiosk, as these are all signs of a scam.
To ensure the authenticity of any inquiries regarding Jefferson Parish jury duty, court dates, or potential fines, residents are encouraged to contact the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court directly at (504) 364-2900. It is crucial to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to this scam.
In conclusion, residents of Jefferson Parish and surrounding areas are being targeted by con artists posing as law enforcement or court personnel, demanding payments for alleged missed jury duty service or court appearances. These scammers employ sophisticated tactics, including using legitimate phone numbers and the names of actual officers or court personnel. The Clerk of Court’s office stresses that legitimate law enforcement and court agencies would never make such demands via phone or text. Residents are advised to be cautious and to contact the clerk’s office directly for any inquiries regarding jury duty, court dates, or fines. It is essential to report any suspected scam activity to authorities.