RALEIGH, N.C. — Attorney General Jeff Jackson is warning residents of Mecklenburg County about a recent surge in jury duty scams. Individuals have been receiving deceptive calls from impersonators claiming to be deputies associated with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. These scammers allege that the recipient has failed to respond to a jury duty summons and threaten arrest unless a fine is paid immediately.
Jackson emphasized the psychological manipulation inherent in such scams, noting that “the fear of arrest can prompt people to act without thinking.” He urged residents to remain vigilant and to inform family and friends about the potential for these fraudulent calls.
Sheriff Garry McFadden echoed Jackson’s warning, stressing that the Sheriff’s Office does not conduct telephone solicitations demanding payments for jury duty absences. “If you receive a suspicious call, it is vital to hang up and report it,” McFadden said, encouraging citizens to protect both their personal information and financial security.
Residents are reminded of several key points regarding these scams. Law enforcement agencies, including sheriff’s offices, will not request payment over the phone as a means to avoid arrest. Furthermore, any fines related to jury duty will not be communicated via telephone or email.
Scammers often use publicly available personal information to lend credibility to their claims. However, Jackson cautioned that this tactic does not signify legitimacy; known data can easily be accessed from various sources. If a call raises suspicions, residents should reach out directly to the Sheriff’s Office or their local police to confirm the legitimacy of the communication.
Another red flag is the request for payment via unconventional methods, such as gift cards or cryptocurrencies. Payments should never be made in this manner, as it is a definitive indication of a scam.
For those who believe they have fallen victim to this or any similar scam, reporting is crucial. The North Carolina Department of Justice can be contacted at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM, and complaints can also be filed online at www.ncdoj.gov/complaint.
This serves as a timely reminder for residents to safeguard themselves against fraud, reclaiming control over their financial and personal security in the digital age.
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