Salem Police Warn Of Jury Duty Scam Using Fake Officer Calls

SALEM, MA — Salem police are warning residents about a recent phone scam in which callers pose as Salem police officers, claim the person missed jury duty and say a warrant has been issued for the person's arrest.

The caller then tells the recipient that arrest can be avoided by paying a fine. Police reported that the requested payment method is various cash apps.

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"This is a scam," the department said in its public warning.

The Salem Police Department said it will never call someone, threaten that person with arrest and demand payment to resolve a warrant. The warning comes after police received several recent reports of the calls.

Scammers can sound convincing and may use names, law enforcement ranks and titles that appear legitimate. Police also reported that the callers may "spoof" a local court or police department phone number, making a victim's caller ID appear to show a court or law enforcement agency even when the call is not actually coming from that source.

The department also warned that the scammer may know personal information, including a person's date of birth and address. That detail can make the call seem more credible. Police urged anyone who receives this kind of call to hang up and not engage with the caller.

The Massachusetts Office of the Jury Commissioner offers additional information about how to avoid this kind of fraud here.

Residents who have already fallen victim to the scam are being asked to contact the Salem Police Department at 978-744-1212.