NEW SCAM!   Alleged Jury Duty Will Steal Your Identity

The phone rings.  The caller identifies him/herself as an officer of the court and says you failed to report for jury duty, which has resulted in a warrant for your arrest.  Shocked, you say you never received a notice.  No problem, the caller says, this can all be cleared up easily by paying a small fine.  I just need your credit card number, Social Security number and birth date for “verification purposes” and payment.    

Hang up immediately.  You have just been solicited by a jury scammer trying to steal your identity. 

Here are a few tips to protect you against this type of scam:

1. DON’T comply with any request to “verify information” such as a Social Security number.
2. DON’T send the caller any written information for review.
3. DON’T be afraid to be rude or hang up
4. NEVER give out birth dates, bank/credit card or Social Security information over the phone.
5. DO screen calls and let the answering machine pick up calls from unknown callers.
6. DO report these types of calls to Attorney General's Office immediately. 

Truthfully, if someone improperly fails to appear for jury duty, the Court will send a second summons and it will be labeled “Second Summons.” They will never call to request personal information. 

Although jury scams have been around for years, this scam has resurfaced in many states including Florida.  Remember, the scammer is using fear as his/her main motivation.  For a law abiding citizen to hear that they missed jury duty and face arrest is scary and extremely effective in obtaining the personal information needed to empty your bank account(s). 

No matter what the reason is for calling, if anyone asks for your personal information never give it out and hang up.