DES MOINES, Iowa — Officials in Des Moines County are raising alarms over a series of jury duty scams targeting residents, urging the public to remain vigilant and aware of fraudulent activities. The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office reported an increase in complaints where scammers, pretending to be law enforcement officers, demand payments for alleged missed jury duties.
According to Sheriff Kevin Glendening, these scammers often use intimidation tactics, threatening arrest or legal action unless immediate payment is made. They typically ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or other untraceable methods, which are red flags for fraudulent activities.
“Our office never solicits fines or fees over the phone, especially for missed jury duty,” Glendening said. “It’s important for our citizens to recognize these deceitful tactics and report them immediately. By staying informed, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.”
The scam typically begins with a caller claiming to be an officer or a court official. They may use personal information, gleaned from public directories or social media, to convince individuals of their legitimacy. They often create a sense of urgency, instructing their targets to act quickly to avoid purported legal repercussions.
Des Moines County Clerk of Court Jessica Rios advises residents to verify any such claims by contacting the court directly using official numbers found on court websites or government directories. “Always verify before taking any action. Scammers often provide fake badge numbers and court details to seem credible,” Rios added.
Additionally, officials warn that caller ID features can be manipulated by scammers, making it appear as if calls come from legitimate government numbers. This technique, known as spoofing, is commonly used to lend credibility to fraudulent claims.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) notes that such jury duty scams have been reported across the United States, reflecting a nation-wide issue that preys on civic duties and the fear of legal trouble.
Community outreach programs are being planned by the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office to educate the public on how to recognize and report scams. These programs aim to cover various common scams, including those involving jury duty, IRS back payments, and false claims of family members in distress.
Local resident Margaret Jensen, 74, shared her encounter with such a scam, describing a call she received last month. “The man on the line knew my name and address. He insisted I missed jury duty and had to pay $2,000 or face jail time. It sounded so convincing, but I hung up and called the sheriff’s office right away,” Jensen recounted.
Law enforcement officials commend residents like Jensen who have quickly reported their experiences, helping to gather vital information about the scammers’ tactics and preventing further incidents.
Residents are encouraged to report suspected scam calls to the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office and the FTC to aid in tracking down perpetrators and alerting the community about new or evolving scams.
By fostering an environment of awareness and skepticism towards unsolicited requests for money or personal information, Des Moines County hopes to protect its residents from these deceitful schemes and prevent future victims.