Jury Duty Phone Scam Threatens Arrest if Fine Not Paid

Another telephone scam is preying on the public.

The U.S. Marshals Service issued a release that said individuals claiming to be U.S. marshals, court officers or law enforcement officials that are trying to collect a fine for failing to report to jury duty.

The victims are threatened with arrest if they don’t pay.

In order to appear more credible, the scammers may even provide information such as a badge number and the name of an actual federal judge and courthouse address.

Victims are told they can avoid arrest by paying a fine using a reloadable credit card and are urge to call a number to provide their own credit card information to initiate the process.

The U.S. Marshals Service does not call anyone to arrange payment of fines over the phone for failure to appear for jury duty or any other infraction.

The organization urges the public never to divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers, even if they sound legitimate.

If you believe you were a victim of the jury duty scam, report the incident to your local law enforcement department or your local U.S. Marshals or FBI office.