'Missed Jury Duty' Scammers Targeting Main Line Residents: Police

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — Authorities on the Main Line are warning residents of a scam trend that claims the targets missed jury duty and are faced with arrest unless a fine is paid.

According to Lower Merion Township Police, these scam calls have been targeting residents in the area recently.

Police said the scammers tell targets they have an arrest warrant for missed jury duty and that a large fine must be paid to avoid arrest.

Additionally, the scammer may say they "urgently" require "legal information" that needs to be provided to Lower Merion Police.

Police said the originating number may appear to be from the Lower Merion Police Department, or another local agency, and that scammers may identify themselves with the name of a local police officer. In such cases, scammers will use a rank or assignment to the name, such as sergeant, detective, or special agent.

Police urge anyone who gets such a call to hang up, call 911 or the local police department, and do not call the scammer back.

"If you have any doubt about the veracity of the Officer contacting you in any situation, you can always contact us to verify their information," Lower Merion Police said.

Lower Merion Police are reminding residents that police do not serve warrants over the phone, or demand immediate payment for outstanding warrants, tickets, subpoenas, or traffic violations. We do not collect monies on behalf of the courts over the phone, either.

Police also will not demand social security information, bank account numbers, bank card, electronic payment, or social media information over the phone.

Lastly, police will not demand that confirmation of demographics or other personal details over the phone unless they are engaged in a follow-up call in which both parties know each other.

"If we need personal information from you, we will clearly explain the reason and offer you the chance to call us back and confirm our identity prior to providing any potentially incriminating information," Lower Merion Police said.

Authorities are asking residents to share this information with friends, family, and neighbors.

Anyone with questions or doubts about a suspicious phone call should contact local police before sharing any personal information with anyone representing themselves as police, government, or financial representatives.