Don’t fall for scam over fake ‘jury duty,’ threats of fine or jail

If someone calls or emails you, claims you have missed jury duty, then threatens you with fines or jail if you don’t give in to their demands, it’s a scam, officials warn.

Residents in South Florida and around the country are being targeted in jury scams that try to bully victims into disclosing personal information such as Social Security numbers, credit card numbers and other information that could then be used in identity theft.

The warnings come from court and law enforcement officials, including Broward Sheriff Scott Israel and the U.S. Marshals Service.

According to a news release from the Broward County court system, known more formally as the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida, residents have reported getting calls or emails in which they’re told they’ve missed

federal or state jury duty.

The scammer, claiming to represent the court or posing as a U.S. Marshal or other law enforcement official, then demands confidential information, telling the person they could be facing a fine or jail time if they don’t comply.

Officials say that anyone who contacts a person to demand a fine or threaten jail time has no connection to a federal or state court system or law enforcement. Federal and state courts contact prospective jurors by mail.

Also, any contact from a legitimate court official won’t include requests or demands for Social Security numbers, credit card numbers or similar information.

If contacted by a jury scammer, write down the phone number and anything the caller might say.

Law enforcement asks anyone who thinks they’ve been targeted in a jury scam to report it.

For scams involving state jury duty, call the Broward Sheriff’s Office at 954-831-8901. For scams involving federal jury duty, call the U.S. Marshals Service at 954-356-7256.