Jury Scam Alert: Be Aware of Sophisticated Tactics
Residents are being targeted by jury scammers who are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to lure victims into paying large sums of money. While such scams seem cyclical, County leaders want to caution residents to the latest methods.
“What we are seeing this year is an increased effort to appear and sound authentic,” said Sonya L. Harper, Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice Services director. “We are seeing real names of judges being used for these scams, the County seal is fake, but residents may not know that. Residents should be aware that if you fail to appear for jury service, you will not be fined by telephone or email. You will not be sent an arrest warrant for failing to appear for jury service.”
In North Carolina, jury summonses are issued by U.S. mail. Any phone call stating that a (bench) warrant has been issued for your arrest due to not reporting for jury service is a scam. Residents should also know that Court staff and / or the Sheriff's Office do not call or email citizens requesting Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, money, pre–paid debit card numbers, payments by money grams, or any other sensitive financial information. It is a scam if payment by telephone is demanded to satisfy the bench warrant.
If you receive such a call, HANG UP without providing any information about yourself or taking any action.
You can confirm if you have been selected for jury service or failed to appear by contacting the clerk of superior court office in your county.
Report any suspicious calls (or emails) to your local Sheriff's Office. Victims may also report it to the N.C. Attorney General's Office or call 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.