Targeting

Founder of Anti-Eviction Non-Profit Admits to Authorizing Mocking Website Targeting Landlord Law Firm

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PASADENA, Calif. — A founder and leader of BASTA, a non-profit organization in Los Angeles County that advocates for jury trials in unlawful detainer cases, testified on Friday that he authorized the purchase of the domain name dennisblock.com. The website was used to mock and criticize one of the county’s major law firms representing landlords. During a jury trial involving invasion of privacy and libel claims brought by Dennis P. Block and Associates against Daniel J. Bramzon, BASTA, and contractor Brett Schulte, Bramzon admitted from the witness stand that he gave permission for the purchase … Read more

Beware of Scam Targeting Jurors in Erie County Courthouse as New Trial Term Begins

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Erie, Pennsylvania – As jury trials begin at the Erie County Courthouse this month, authorities are warning the public about a new scam targeting individuals summoned for jury duty. Impersonating officials from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are calling residents from a spoofed number and falsely claiming that they have failed to report for jury duty. The scammers then demand the payment of a fine, purportedly refundable upon receipt. Bob Catalde, the district court administrator for the Erie County Court of Common Pleas, revealed that the scammer manipulates caller identification, making the calls appear … Read more

Beware of Scammers Pretending to Be Law Enforcement Officials targeting Jury Duty Avoid Jail Time

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – A concerning and persistent scam involving jury duty is plaguing victims across the nation. Individuals have reported receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to be law enforcement officials, alleging that they failed to report for jury duty and demanding immediate payment or face potential jail time. Recently, a viewer reached out to News 8 On Your Side, recounting a similar experience. They received a call from someone purportedly from the Pennsylvania sheriff’s department, questioning their absence from a federal grand jury summons. The caller attempted to convince the viewer that paying fines … Read more

Beware of Nationwide Scam Targeting Jury Duty: U.S. Officials Issue Urgent Warning

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – The U.S. District Court and U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Florida issued a warning on Monday about a nationwide scam targeting unsuspecting individuals who fail to show up for jury duty. Scammers, pretending to be U.S. Marshals or government officials, call people and threaten them with arrest if they do not pay a fine for missing jury duty. The scammers then guide the victims through purchasing prepaid debit or gift cards or making electronic payments to settle the supposed fine. Several Florida counties, including Nassau, Orange, and Pinellas, have … Read more