FLEMINGTON, N.J. — Authorities in Hunterdon County are alerting the public to a new scam involving fake jury duty phone calls that threaten residents with arrest for failing to appear for jury service. The Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office has received numerous reports about these fraudulent calls, which attempt to extract fines from victims by exploiting their fears of legal repercussions.
Sheriff Fredrick Brown noted that the scammers often pose as employees of the Sheriff’s Office, using sophisticated tactics such as spoofing real phone numbers belonging to the judiciary. During these calls, the impersonators claim that the victim has missed jury duty and must pay a fine immediately or face arrest. They then instruct the victims to purchase gift cards or other forms of untraceable payment methods as a way to settle their supposed fines.
“It’s an alarming trend that uses intimidation to prey on law-abiding citizens,” Sheriff Brown said. “We want to educate the community so that our residents can identify these scams immediately and protect themselves.”
Authorities underline the fact that jury notifications are handled strictly through official mail, not via unsolicited phone calls. Furthermore, no law enforcement agency would demand or accept fine payments through gift cards. Hunterdon County Clerk Mary H. Melfi advises anyone who receives such a call to remain calm, not disclose personal information or make any payments, and to hang up immediately.
The Hunterone County Sheriff’s Office has launched an awareness campaign, sharing tips on how residents can recognize and avoid falling victim to other common scams. This information is being distributed through local media, community centers, and online platforms. Additionally, Sheriff Brown has reached out to senior citizen groups particularly vulnerable to telephonic scams, conducting seminars equipped with advice on handling suspicious calls.
“It is essential to verify the legitimacy of any call claiming to be from a government agency by directly contacting the purported agency through official channels,” advised Melfi.
Legal experts suggest that increasing public education about the judicial process and the common tactics used by scammers could help prevent these crimes. Such scams not only foster unnecessary anxiety but can lead to significant financial loss among the most vulnerable groups in the community.
The Judicial Office has also been working to enhance their communication methods with potential jurors, aiming to prevent confusion about jury duty obligations. They stress the importance of understanding that legitimate judiciary communications will not include threats of any kind.
Law enforcement officials and judiciary representatives are urging citizens to report any suspicious calls they receive to the Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office. These reports are critical in helping authorities track down the perpetrators and prevent future incidents.
As this scam continues to impact communities, local authorities are determined to combat and dismantle these fraudulent operations through public education and stringent law enforcement efforts. The hope is that through increased awareness, residents will be better equipped to protect themselves against deceitful tactics that threaten their security and wellbeing.