Green Bay, Wis. — Brown County citizens are currently being targeted by phone scammers posing as members of law enforcement to extract money by claiming the victims have failed to report for jury duty, county officials announced this week. These scams have shown a worrying rate of frequency and sophistication, causing increasing concern among local residents and authorities.
Typically, the scammer informs the target that they have missed a jury summons and are at risk of facing a fine or arrest. Victims are then directed to rectify the situation by purchasing prepaid debit cards or other forms of electronic transfer and providing the scammer with the corresponding codes and numbers.
Brown County Clerk of Courts, John Smythe, stated in a press release, “It’s troubling to see the level at which these scammers operate. They often use real names of current judges or law enforcement officials to make their demands appear legitimate.” Smythe stresses that such deceptive practices are not associated with the judiciary’s standard protocols.
Legal experts point out that the judiciary never solicits fines or fees for missed jury duty through phone calls or emails. All communication regarding jury service comes through official correspondence and any fines associated with non-appearance would only be addressed formally through court proceedings.
Detective Linda Grey of the Brown County Sheriff’s Department shed light on the tactics used by the perpetrators, noting, “The scammers use caller ID spoofing technology to make the call appear as if it’s coming from a courthouse or a local law enforcement agency, which adds a layer of authenticity to their claims.”
Further complicating matters is the scammers’ increasingly nuanced knowledge of legal procedures, which they leverage to pressure their targets. For example, citing specific legal statutes or using court jargon during calls to enhance the illusion of legitimacy. “They do their homework,” Grey added, “Which makes it even harder for the average citizen to recognize the scam.”
Authorities advise anyone who receives such a call to remain calm, not to divulge any personal information or make any payments. Instead, they should hang up immediately and contact their local sheriff’s department to report the incident.
The Brown County Sheriff’s Department has launched an awareness campaign via social media and community outreach programs to educate the public on recognizing and preventing these scams. Pamphlets and online resources are being distributed, offering detailed guidelines on handling suspicious calls claiming to be related to jury duty.
Local community leaders have also stepped in to spread the word. Reverend Jessica Martin at the Green Bay Community Church emphasized the importance of supporting and informing the older members of the community, who are often the prime targets of such scams. During Sunday services, Martin actively discusses how congregation members can protect themselves and what steps to take if they suspect they are being targeted.
The increase in scams nationwide reflects the critical need for continuous public education on the dangers of telephonic fraud. As technology evolves, so too do the methods employed by scammers, making ongoing community vigilance and education paramount in combating these crimes.