Crime & Safety

RI State Police Warn Residents Of Jury Duty Scam

A scammer is posing as a member of the Sheriffs Department and fraudulently telling people they owe money for missing jury duty.

"RI Sheriffs will never request money over the phone," State Police said in a statement. "If you receive a scam call, go to the closest RISP (Rhode Island State Police) barracks​ to file a complaint.
"RI Sheriffs will never request money over the phone," State Police said in a statement. "If you receive a scam call, go to the closest RISP (Rhode Island State Police) barracks​ to file a complaint. (Mary Serreze/Patch)

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Rhode Island State Police have warned the public that someone is trying to steal people's money through a jury duty scam.

State Police said anyone who receives a call from someone telling them they owe money for missing jury duty is receiving needs to know the request isn't real. The scammer is claiming to be from the Rhode Island Sheriffs Department.

"RI Sheriffs will never request money over the phone," State Police said in a statement. "If you receive a scam call, go to the closest RISP (Rhode Island State Police) barracks to file a complaint."

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