Fake Jury Service Scam Resurfaces In Chester Co., Sheriff Warns

WEST CHESTER, PA — Authorities are warning Chester County residents after a fake jury service scam has resurfaced.

The bogus calls claim to come from the Chester County Sheriff's Office and allege to victims that if they fail to arrive at jury duty, they'll be served an arrest warrant.

"Residents should be aware that the court or the Sheriff’s Office would never contact a person via telephone or email to demand payment of a fine to avoid being arrested for failure to appear for jury service,” Welsh said Tuesday. "Individuals who fail to appear for jury service may receive a letter from the court with a date to appear and explain to a judge why they failed to appear, but they would never receive this communication in a telephone call."

Victims are told by scammers to purchase a prepaid debit or credit card for several hundred dollars to avoid immediate arrest.

Officials remind residents that only a judge can require citizens to pay a fine for failing to appear for jury service, and that this only happens after the person in question is given ample opportunity explain their situation in court.

If you receive a call like this, provide the scammer with no information and call Chester County Jury Services Office at 610-344-6174, or the Chester County Sheriff’s Office at 610-344-6860.

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