Rockford, Ill. — Authorities in the 17th Judicial Circuit Court have issued a warning to residents of Winnebago and Boone counties about a troubling new trend in fraud. Individuals posing as court officials or law enforcement representatives are contacting citizens under the guise of jury duty enforcement.
These scammers are reportedly telling people they have missed jury duty and threatening them with arrest unless they make immediate payments. The fraudulent calls and messages often create a sense of urgency, pressuring victims into compliance.
Officials emphasize that the court and law enforcement agencies will never request personal information or payment over the phone or via email. Instead, they encourage residents to be vigilant about safeguarding their identities and financial information. The scammers may seek sensitive details such as Social Security numbers, bank account information, or direct payments through various electronic methods, including debit cards and gift cards.
Residents are reminded to not provide their personal or financial information in response to unsolicited inquiries. As part of these precautions, individuals should refrain from making payments, especially through unconventional means like gift cards or prepaid debit cards, which are often used in scams.
Additionally, people are encouraged to remain calm if they encounter such situations. Scammers frequently employ tactics designed to evoke fear and urgency, seeking to manipulate their targets. It is crucial to take a step back and assess the legitimacy of the communication before responding.
If approached by someone claiming to be a court official demanding payment, residents should report the encounter to the police. It’s important to recognize that while missing jury duty can indeed necessitate a court appearance, fines or payments will never be solicited through phone calls or emails.
Residents are urged to be cautious and alert concerning these scams, which can target anyone regardless of their background. By taking proactive steps to protect personal information and reporting suspicious activities, the community can help combat these fraudulent schemes.
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