Tagged: jury duty scam Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 19, 2026 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , jury duty scam, neighborhood spoofing, , ,   

    How Scammers Weaponize Law Enforcement 

    By Greg Collier

    A scam spreading nationwide is now drawing warnings from both West Virginia and Connecticut, built around one of the most effective tools fraudsters have: the fear of arrest.

    Scammers are posing as the U.S. Marshals Service and other law enforcement agencies, calling or texting people out of the blue, accusing them of missing jury duty or court dates, and demanding immediate payment to avoid being taken into custody.

    It sounds official.
    It sounds urgent.
    That is exactly the point.

    Let’s break it down.

    What’s Going On

    According to law enforcement warnings issued in Kanawha County, WV and by the U.S. Marshals Service in Connecticut, scammers are:

    • Impersonating U.S. Marshals or other law enforcement officers
    • Claiming victims missed jury duty, court appearances, or legal paperwork
    • Threatening arrest unless payment is made immediately
    • Sending fake warrants, subpoenas, or court documents to look legitimate

    In Connecticut, officials say scammers are using a tactic known as “neighborhood spoofing,” manipulating caller ID so the number appears to come from a local courthouse or law enforcement office.

    They do not rely on fear alone. They layer in credibility:

    • Fake badge numbers
    • Names of real officials
    • Actual courthouse addresses

    By the time the victim is processing what is happening, the scammer has already framed the situation as urgent and shameful.

    How the Scam Works

    The pattern is consistent across states:

    1. You receive a call or text claiming to be from law enforcement
    2. You are told you failed to report for jury duty or missed a legal obligation
    3. You are informed there is a warrant or a fine “in lieu of arrest”
    4. You are pressured to act immediately
    5. You are told not to tell anyone because it would be “embarrassing”
    6. You are directed to pay using:
      • Wire transfers
      • Gift cards
      • Prepaid debit or credit cards
      • Or Bitcoin

    That payment method is the giveaway.

    Not the badge number.
    Not the courthouse name.
    The payment demand.

    Red Flags

    Watch for these warning signs:

    • Demands for money by phone or text—law enforcement does not collect fines this way
    • Urgency and secrecy—“pay now or be arrested” and “don’t tell anyone” are manipulation tactics
    • Unusual payment methods—gift cards, wire transfers, prepaid cards, or crypto—are never legitimate
    • “Official-looking” caller ID or documents—easily spoofed and commonly faked

    If any one of these appears, assume it’s a scam and verify independently.

    Why This Scam Works

    This scam does not rely on technical trickery. It relies on social engineering:

    • Fear of arrest
    • Fear of embarrassment
    • Respect for authority
    • Panic over legal trouble
    • The instinct to make the problem disappear quickly

    It exploits the public’s incomplete understanding of how courts and law enforcement actually operate—and it does so very effectively.

    What Real Authorities Say

    Both West Virginia and Connecticut officials were explicit:

    No law enforcement agency will call or text you demanding money to avoid arrest.

    In West Virginia, victims are advised to verify claims by calling 911, not the number provided by the caller.

    In Connecticut, residents are told to:

    • Verify court claims directly with the U.S. District Court
    • Never provide payment or personal information
    • Report scams through the FBI’s IC3 at ic3.gov

    The Bigger Picture

    What stands out here is not just the scam itself, but its scale and uniformity.

    Same story.
    Same methods.
    Same fake jury duty.
    Same payment channels.
    Different states.

    This is not a local hustle. It is a repeatable fraud model built to exploit:

    • Authority
    • Technology
    • Human psychology

    And it is not going away.

    Final Thoughts

    If someone claims to be law enforcement and asks you for money over the phone:

    It is a scam.
    Every time.
    No exceptions.

    Hang up.
    Verify independently.
    Report it.

    And most importantly, do not let fear rush you into a financial decision. Scammers thrive on panic, not evidence.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 31, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: jury duty scam, ,   

    Hang Up on the Jury Duty Hoax 

    By Greg Collier

    That tense moment when your phone lights up with a “law enforcement” caller ID—and they say you’ve missed jury duty. Your heart drops, they mention a warrant, and you’re suddenly calculating bail money. But it’s all a lie. The jury duty scam is spreading across the country, and most recently it’s hit Nueces County, Texas.

    What’s Going On:

    Scammers are targeting residents nationwide with fake phone calls claiming they missed jury duty, owe fines, or face arrest. Nueces County is just the latest hotspot in this long-running con.

    According to the local Sheriff’s Office, about a dozen residents recently reported receiving these calls. The scammers sound convincing—they even use real deputy names lifted from public Facebook pages. Sheriff J.C. Hooper made it clear:

    “We’re not going to call you. We’re going to come and visit you at your home or place of employment if there is a warrant out for you.”

    In other words, real law enforcement doesn’t handle warrants over the phone—and they definitely don’t ask for payments.

    Why It’s Effective:

    This scam weaponizes fear and urgency. The caller insists the matter must be handled today, threatening bigger trouble tomorrow. They’ll even text or email forged credentials—fake badges, stolen photos, and edited names—to “prove” their authority.

    The Better Business Bureau says this isn’t just a Texas problem. It’s a nationwide trend that resurfaces every few months with local twists designed to fool residents who think it couldn’t happen in their area.

    Red Flags:

    • Immediate payment requests. No government agency takes fines over the phone.
    • Threats of arrest or warrants. Fear is their pressure tool, not a real policy.
    • Borrowed deputy names. Scammers scrape them from social media and websites.
    • Fake “proof.” Any emailed or texted badge is fraudulent—and worthless.

    How to Stay Safe:

    If someone calls claiming you missed jury duty, hang up immediately. Then contact your sheriff’s office or courthouse using the number on their official website—not the one that called you. Never send money, never meet in person, and never share personal information.

    Remember: real jury duty notifications come through official mail, not phone calls, texts, or emails.

    Final Thoughts:

    This con works because it feels personal—and scary. But knowledge breaks the spell. Take a breath, verify before reacting, and talk to your parents or grandparents about it. A calm, skeptical mind is your best protection.

    Have you received one of these fake jury duty calls? Share your story below or send this post to someone who might be at risk. Awareness travels faster than scams—if we spread it.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 15, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , jury duty scam, ,   

    Fake Jury Duty Sites Steal Your Identity 

    By Greg Collier

    Scam artists continue to adapt their methods, and one of the most common schemes circulating today is the jury duty scam. This long-running tactic has seen many variations over the years, but a new twist has emerged in Wisconsin that raises the stakes by targeting both money and personal identity.

    Traditionally, this scam involves a phone call from someone pretending to be an authority figure. The caller claims the recipient has missed jury duty and now faces arrest or a significant fine. The tone is often urgent, creating fear and confusion that push victims into making quick decisions. While these calls are not new, recent reports show scammers are now supplementing their threats with fake websites. These sites are designed to look official and can trick people into sharing sensitive personal information. Victims are sometimes told to enter details such as their birth date or Social Security number in order to determine the amount they supposedly owe. In some cases, the scammers claim that thousands of dollars are due for failing to appear for jury service.

    The persistence of the jury duty scam is tied to its ability to exploit trust in legal institutions and fear of legal consequences. Reports of this fraud have surfaced in many states over the years, showing that no region is immune. Scammers target a wide range of people, from younger adults who may not yet understand jury procedures to older individuals who may be more inclined to believe a caller claiming to represent the courts. Beyond the immediate demand for payment, the risks extend to long-term identity theft. Victims may later discover fraudulent credit accounts opened in their names, complications with tax filings, or even false criminal records, all of which can create years of stress and financial damage.

    The addition of fraudulent websites makes the scam especially dangerous. While previous versions largely focused on extracting immediate payments, this variation introduces the risk of long-term identity theft. Once personal information is provided, it can be used or sold, leading to problems that may linger for years. That kind of damage goes far beyond the loss of money, forcing individuals into the ongoing burden of monitoring and protecting their identity.

    It is important to remember that legitimate jury summonses or failure-to-appear notices are always sent through the mail. Courts do not issue arrest threats over the phone or demand payment through unconventional means such as cryptocurrency kiosks. Anyone receiving a suspicious call should avoid engaging, hang up, and independently verify information by contacting the local court using official contact details. Above all, consumers should never visit websites provided in unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.

    This latest twist underscores how scams evolve in order to stay effective. Raising awareness within families and communities is a critical step toward reducing the number of victims. By sharing knowledge of these tactics, people can recognize the warning signs and resist high-pressure demands. The jury duty scam remains one of the most widespread frauds in circulation today, and knowledge is the best defense against its changing forms.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 5, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , jury duty scam, ,   

    Jury Duty Scam Gets a Tech Upgrade 

    By Greg Collier

    The jury duty scam has been a persistent threat for years, often beginning with a phone call from someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer. The caller accuses the recipient of failing to report for jury duty and threatens immediate arrest unless a fine is paid. These calls can be very convincing, with scammers using spoofed caller IDs to make it appear as if the call is coming from a local police department. Victims are often pressured into making quick payments using gift cards, wire transfers, or mobile payment apps. The urgency and fear created by the call are intended to override a person’s judgment, making them more likely to comply.

    A new variation of this scam is now emerging, according to a warning from the Federal Trade Commission. Instead of instructing targets to make a payment directly over the phone, scammers are directing them to visit a fraudulent website. This site is designed to mimic an official government page, complete with realistic-looking seals and professional design elements. The individual is asked to enter sensitive personal information, including their date of birth and Social Security number, under the pretense of verifying their identity or calculating a fine. In some cases, the site demands payment through non-traditional methods such as cryptocurrency or through so-called government kiosks, which do not actually exist.

    This approach allows scammers to collect personal data as well as money, potentially leading to both financial loss and identity theft. The presence of a convincing website may give the impression of legitimacy, especially to individuals who are unfamiliar with how official government sites operate.

    Once this personal information is collected, the consequences can extend far beyond the initial scam. Scammers may use the data to open fraudulent credit accounts, file false tax returns, or even commit medical identity theft. Victims often do not realize their identity has been compromised until they receive collection notices, are denied credit, or encounter issues with government agencies. The damage can take years to fully resolve.

    Anyone who receives such a call should avoid engaging with the caller or visiting the provided website. If there is any concern about jury duty status, the appropriate course of action is to contact the local court directly using a verified phone number or official website.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on May 7, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , jury duty scam, ,   

    Jury Duty Scam Tactics Exposed 

    By Greg Collier

    Two recent incidents in Massachusetts and Texas have highlighted how convincing and costly phone scams involving fake jury duty summonses continue to affect unsuspecting individuals. In both cases, callers impersonated law enforcement officers, presenting official-sounding threats and legal terminology to pressure victims into handing over thousands of dollars.

    In Massachusetts, a resident of Bourne reported losing over $68,000 after being told he had failed to appear for jury duty. The callers warned of immediate arrest if a payment was not made. They provided documents that appeared official at first glance, but closer inspection revealed inconsistencies, such as incorrect addresses and typographical errors. The victim ultimately transferred the funds at a local business before contacting the authorities.

    In San Antonio, a viewer reported being on the phone for nearly an hour with someone claiming to represent the sheriff’s office. The caller cited a missed jury summons and used legal language to establish authority. A second person joined the call to intensify the pressure and demanded thousands of dollars. The attempt was thwarted when a family member intervened and the potential victim conducted a quick online search, discovering similar past scams.

    These incidents reflect a broader trend. The continued prevalence of such schemes stems in part from their effectiveness. Scams like this persist because people continue to fall for them. The tone of authority, the use of court-related language, and the exploitation of fear make these scams particularly difficult to detect in the moment. However, while these scams are common, blaming the victims is not appropriate. No one is immune. Scammers rely on stress, confusion, and isolation to succeed, and even cautious, educated individuals can be caught off guard.

    Law enforcement agencies consistently remind the public that they do not conduct business this way. Phone calls demanding payment or threatening arrest are not standard practice. Those who receive such calls should hang up and verify the information with a trusted source, such as a local police department or court clerk.

    Public awareness is one of the strongest tools in fighting these scams. Sharing experiences helps prevent others from falling into the same traps. The more these tactics are understood, the less power they hold.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 18, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , jury duty scam, ,   

    Jury Scam Costs Houston Victim $12K 

    Jury Scam Costs Houston Victim $12K

    By Greg Collier

    A growing scam in Texas is proving that education and common sense are no match for professional manipulation. A woman working at her downtown Houston office recently fell victim to a scheme that continues to evolve in both sophistication and psychological pressure. This wasn’t a case of someone being naive. It was a calculated crime that preyed on trust, fear, and the illusion of authority.

    It began with a phone call that appeared to come from a legitimate source, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. The caller claimed the victim had missed jury duty and now had an arrest warrant. He claimed to be a sheriff’s deputy and spoke with the precision and confidence of someone in law enforcement. He even spoofed the phone number so it looked like the call came from a known non-emergency line. This tactic erased what little doubt she might have had. And that is what made the next few hours so dangerous.

    The victim followed instructions to avoid what she believed would be a swift arrest. She was told to withdraw money to pay a bond and meet a supposed bail bondsman at a nearby parking garage. Surveillance footage later confirmed her account. A man dressed to appear official approached her car with a clipboard. She handed over twelve thousand dollars in cash. He walked away and never returned.

    The call didn’t end there. Once the first handoff was complete, the scammer escalated the con, insisting on a second round of money for a different, higher bond. He kept control by telling her to ignore her husband’s calls, suggesting he could be charged for interfering with a federal investigation. The victim, still shaken, proceeded to another bank. This time, the teller sensed something was wrong. Through written notes, the victim learned the truth. She had been scammed.

    What makes this case particularly chilling is not just the amount of money lost. It’s how meticulously the scam was constructed. From the spoofed number to the psychological tactics, this was not a random phishing attempt. This was a performance. It was executed by someone who understood how to create fear and who to imitate to make it believable.

    This scam has become a clear threat not just to the vulnerable, but to anyone who believes they could spot a con when it starts. The reality is that criminals who rehearse their scripts, tailor their personas, and study the systems they exploit can trick anyone. Law enforcement warns that these individuals are persuasive and convincing, often targeting people at their most distracted or anxious moments.

    The illusion of authority is powerful. When that illusion is weaponized, even the most cautious person can be caught off guard. And in cases like this, the consequences are more than financial. The emotional toll is immense. The sense of violation and humiliation that follows can linger far longer than the sting of a missing bank balance.

    Scams like this are not just clever crimes. They are dangerous. They erode trust in public institutions. They use the symbols of safety and order as a disguise for exploitation, and they are only growing bolder. Recognizing that no one is immune is the first step in defending against them.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on March 21, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , jury duty scam, ,   

    The Jury Duty Scam Is Still Here, And Still Working 

    By Greg Collier

    The headlines may be dominated by the toll text scam lately, but that doesn’t mean other schemes have gone away. One of the most persistent, and unfortunately, still effective, scams is the jury duty con. It recently surfaced again in Ross Township, Pennsylvania, where a local resident lost over $8,000 to someone impersonating a law enforcement officer.

    The scammer called from a number that appeared legitimate, with a caller ID that mimicked the local sheriff’s office. The victim was told they had missed jury duty and that an arrest warrant had been issued. The pressure was immediate and intense. In order to avoid being taken into custody, the victim was instructed to pay a fine, in this case, over $8,000 in bitcoin. Believing the caller was a real deputy and that the consequences were real, the victim complied. The funds were traced to an overseas crypto exchange, but by then, the money was gone.

    Similar calls are being reported in other nearby counties, where scammers are posing as officers, complete with fabricated names and badge numbers. They’re telling people they’re in contempt of court for not showing up for jury duty and that the only way to avoid arrest is to pay a fine, often on the spot and in cash-like alternatives such as cryptocurrency or apps like Venmo. Victims are even told to stay silent because of a so-called gag order, further isolating them and increasing the pressure.

    These scams keep happening for one reason, they still work. Scammers know they only need a few people to fall for the lie to make the effort worthwhile. By casting a wide net, calling dozens or even hundreds of people, they can strike gold with just one or two hits. Even with public awareness campaigns, people continue to be taken in, particularly when the scam uses fear and urgency to overwhelm rational thinking.

    Law enforcement has made it clear. They do not contact people by phone to demand payment for missed jury duty. They don’t accept payments through apps, gift cards, or crypto, and they certainly won’t ask you to keep silent about a call. But these warnings don’t reach everyone, or they come too late.

    As attention shifts to new digital frauds, it’s important not to forget about the scams that have been around for years and show no sign of stopping. If someone calls you demanding money for a missed civic duty, take a breath, hang up, and report it. These scams only persist because they continue to work, and spreading the word is one way to make them stop.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on February 6, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , jury duty scam, ,   

    Jury Duty Scam: Don’t Fall for This Hoax! 

    By Greg Collier

    A fraudulent phone scam targeting individuals with threats of arrest for missing jury duty is once again making the rounds, prompting warnings from the Department of Justice. This scheme, designed to induce panic and urgency, has left many victims in Metro Detroit questioning its legitimacy, until they recognize the red flags.

    Scammers orchestrating this con go to great lengths to appear credible. They impersonate law enforcement officers, spoof official phone numbers, and even set up automated phone menus to create an illusion of authenticity. Their goal is to pressure individuals into making immediate payments, often through cryptocurrency kiosks or prepaid cards, by convincing them they are facing serious legal consequences.

    The scam preys on the fear of law enforcement repercussions. Victims receive a call from someone claiming to be from the sheriff’s department, asserting that they have missed jury duty and are now subject to legal penalties. The caller, maintaining a professional and authoritative demeanor, insists that the matter must be resolved immediately to avoid an arrest warrant.

    For those unfamiliar with legal procedures, the tactics can be highly convincing. Victims describe feeling disoriented and pressured as the scammers weave their deceptive narratives. The threats of escalating the matter from a civil infraction to a criminal case keep the targets engaged, afraid of the potential fallout.

    However, subtle inconsistencies often betray the scam. Some victims, upon questioning the caller for specific details, such as the address where the supposed jury summons was served, discover discrepancies that expose the fraud. Others seek validation by consulting friends or family members, who quickly recognize the telltale signs of a scam.

    Authorities emphasize that legitimate law enforcement agencies and court systems do not operate in this manner. Missing jury duty, while a serious matter, does not result in immediate arrest without due process. Courts communicate official notices through mail, and any penalties require a formal appearance before a judge, not an impromptu payment over the phone.

    Despite repeated warnings, the scam persists because it continues to ensnare victims. The urgency, the use of official-sounding language, and the impersonation of law enforcement make it difficult for unsuspecting individuals to distinguish the fraud from reality.

    Public awareness remains a key defense against these schemes. Individuals who recognize the scam are encouraged to report it to local law enforcement. By exposing these fraudulent operations, the cycle of deception can be disrupted, preventing others from falling into the same trap.

    Authorities stress that skepticism is crucial when dealing with unsolicited calls demanding payment. When in doubt, individuals should independently verify claims by directly contacting official agencies, rather than relying on the phone numbers provided by the caller. As long as these scams continue to target communities, spreading awareness remains an essential tool in combatting their success.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 9, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , jury duty scam, ,   

    Brazen Jury Duty Scam Run From Jail 

    Brazen Jury Duty Scam Run From Jail

    By Greg Collier

    In a disturbing example of increasingly sophisticated scams, a Sarasota woman recently lost over $12,000 to a scheme orchestrated by an inmate in a Georgia prison. The scam, which involved impersonation of law enforcement officials, utilized advanced tactics to manipulate the victim into transferring funds under the guise of resolving a fabricated legal issue.

    The incident began with a phone call to the victim from what appeared to be the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. The caller claimed to be a sheriff and alleged that the woman had missed jury duty, resulting in a warrant for her arrest. To avoid immediate arrest, the victim was instructed to pay a fine at a so-called ‘Bonding Transition Center’. This supposed center was, in reality, a Bitcoin ATM.

    The victim complied, depositing over $12,000 into three cryptocurrency accounts as directed. Unbeknownst to her, these funds were swiftly transferred into a Bitcoin wallet controlled by the scammer. Within a day, the money was dispersed into various accounts, making recovery nearly impossible.

    Law enforcement uncovered that the mastermind behind the scam operated from a prison cell using a smuggled phone. The inmate coordinated with an accomplice outside the prison to manage the funds and procure prepaid phones, which were delivered to the inmate via drone.

    This scam is not an isolated incident. Officials report at least 30 victims in Sarasota alone, with losses exceeding $100,000. The perpetrators use fear and urgency to pressure victims, often convincing them to remain on the phone until the ‘fine’ is paid. The caller ID is spoofed to appear as if the call is coming from a legitimate law enforcement agency, adding a veneer of credibility.

    Scammers commonly claim to represent law enforcement or court officials, alleging that the victim failed to report for jury duty. They threaten arrest and demand immediate payment of a fine to resolve the issue. The scammers often possess detailed personal information about their targets, such as home addresses or birthdates, lending an air of legitimacy to their claims.

    Victims are typically directed to pay using unconventional methods, such as cryptocurrency ATMs, prepaid gift cards, or wire transfers, which are difficult to trace and nearly impossible to recover.

    To avoid falling victim to scams like these, it’s crucial to understand how legitimate agencies operate. Law enforcement or courts will never call to demand payment over the phone or threaten arrest for missed jury duty without prior notice. Payments for fines or penalties are never collected through unconventional means like Bitcoin ATMs or gift cards.

    Remaining vigilant and informed is the best defense against these scams, which prey on fear and urgency to manipulate victims. Law enforcement continues to investigate and prosecute these cases, but public awareness is vital to prevent further losses.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 30, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , dna test, jury duty scam, ,   

    DNA Test Hoaxes Are The New Jury Duty Scam 

    DNA Test Hoaxes Are The New Jury Duty Scam

    By Greg Collier

    The Idaho State Police (ISP) is warning residents about a new phone scam targeting individuals with alarming claims related to DNA testing. Callers impersonate law enforcement officers, falsely asserting that recipients must undergo DNA testing to avoid arrest. These scammers use fear and urgency to coerce victims into making payments, often leaving them distressed and confused.

    This scam follows a familiar pattern seen in other fraudulent schemes, such as the long-standing jury duty and arrest warrant scams. In those versions, scammers tell victims they have missed jury duty or have outstanding warrants, demanding immediate payment to avoid jail time. The DNA test hoax mirrors these tactics by introducing the false narrative of a missed appointment, further heightening the sense of alarm.

    One victim reported receiving a voicemail stating they needed to submit a DNA sample in response to certified mail, with instructions to contact the ISP Bureau of Criminal Investigation for clarification. Soon after, the victim received another call alleging they had missed the required DNA appointment, leading to a supposed arrest warrant. Payment was demanded to ‘resolve’ the fabricated situation. In a separate incident, a scammer impersonated a law enforcement officer, telling a woman that her son had failed to complete a mandatory DNA test. This false claim was used to justify an arrest warrant, and the scammer requested funds under the guise of a bond payment.

    These scams exploit fear and undermine public trust in legitimate programs like the ISP’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), which lawfully collects DNA from convicted offenders to support investigations. Misleading calls like these can deter cooperation with real law enforcement efforts and create confusion about proper DNA collection procedures.

    The ISP reminds the public that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never demand payment or threaten arrest over the phone. Scammers commonly request payment via gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or money transfer apps, clear indicators of fraudulent intent.

    Though these calls have been reported in Idaho, similar scams could emerge in other parts of the country. Scammers often use different variations of these schemes to target people in multiple regions. Questioning unexpected calls and reporting suspicious activities to local authorities are key steps in protecting yourself and others from fraud. Public awareness is essential to disrupt these operations and maintain trust in law enforcement and legitimate investigative programs.

     

← Older posts

c
Compose new post
j
Next post/Next comment
k
Previous post/Previous comment
r
Reply
e
Edit
o
Show/Hide comments
t
Go to top
l
Go to login
h
Show/Hide help
shift + esc
Cancel