Don’t get snagged by latest scam

Office says cases in Phoenix, but no issues reported in Yuma

Last week, the U.S. Marshals Service sent out a press release, warning of a jury duty scam which is making the rounds for the third year in a row.

In the scam, which first surfaced in 2015, callers claiming to be representatives of the U.S. Marshals told victims of the call that they failed to report for jury duty.

The caller then threatened the victim with arrest, fines and/or jail time if the individual did not provide “personally identifiable and/or credit card information,” the Marshals Service reports. Some of the victims were also asked to use money wire services to satisfy fines associated with failing to report for jury duty.

The scam resurfaced in 2016, the Marshals Service reports, with callers asking victims to meet at specific locations to sign “affidavits,” and the caller claimed if action wasn’t taken, someone would show up at the victim’s home.

Now, the scammers are providing “information like titles and badge numbers of legitimate law enforcement officers or court officials, names of federal judges and courtroom addresses in an attempt to make the scam credible,” the Marshalls Service says. The scammers are even making it appear as if their phone number is a government number on victims’ caller IDs.

So far, the Marshals Service reports that the scam has been happening in the Phoenix area, and there have not been any inquiries in Yuma from the public regarding this scam. However, it’s one that people should be aware of, especially if they get a similar call. It may only be a matter of time before someone attempts something like this in our area, so it’s good to be vigilant.

The Marshals Service reports that they will not request sensitive information over the phone or in person through any arranged meetings, nor would they threaten the public with violent action unless money is paid. The Marshals Service and the U.S. District Court also note they will not require people to meet at designated locations to sign paperwork regarding jury duty attendance.

Getting a call from an individual who claims to be representing an agency like the U.S. Marshals Service can be an intimidating, scary experience. But don’t fall victim to the scam. Be skeptical, ask questions, and do your research before you make any payments or offer any information. And if you should get such a call, report it to the agency, at 602-382-8767.

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