Leesburg Police Warn Public About Jury Duty Scam

Release: Leesburg Police Department

The Leesburg Police Department has started receiving complaints regarding a jury duty scam. In each case, the suspect has identified himself as a local law enforcement officer, and made references to the victim not appearing for jury duty, saying there’s a warrant out for his or her arrest. This scam is not new and has recently started up once again.

In lieu of being arrested, the suspect offers the victim the opportunity to settle the issue by obtaining an electronic MoneyGram (or similar) money order in the amount of several hundred dollars from a local pharmacy or department store. The suspect will continue to pressure the victim by threatening to send officers to their house immediately to arrest them if they do not cooperate.

The suspect also will demand that the victim remain in constant contact with them to ensure the MoneyGram is obtained. Once the victim confirms the purchase of the MoneyGram, the suspect gets the victim to give him the serial number from the MoneyGram so that the funds can be electronically transferred, unbeknownst to the victim. Once that occurs, all communication with the suspect ceases.

Unfortunately, these types of scams, as well as various others, occur far too often. People fall victim to scam artists looking to turn a quick profit by playing on the fears of victims by implying that they or one of their loved ones is in some sort of trouble.

The Leesburg Police Department would like to remind citizens to be wary of “phishing” scams, such as this, that attempt to intimidate people into cooperating.

Phishers attempt to fraudulently acquire sensitive information, such as passwords, serial numbers and credit card details, by pretending to be a trustworthy person or business. Phishing is typically carried out using email or an instant message, although phone contact can be used.

These cases are currently being investigated by the Leesburg Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Section. The Police Department would like to remind citizens to contact their local law enforcement agency if they feel that they are a victim of this type of scheme.