Fake document courtesy of Dallas County Sheriff’s Dept.
The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a jury duty scam currently making the rounds. Multiple neighbors, especially elderly individuals, have recently fallen victim, they say.
The scammmers impersonate court officials, local police or sheriff’s deputies via phone call or email. They claim recipients have failed to comply with a jury summons, and they pressure them to pay a fine or provide confidential data which may be used for identity theft or fraud.
“Please spread the word that this is a scam,” shared Dallas County Sheriff’s officials on social media. “Individuals are being taken advantage of. Please don’t provide gift card numbers or cashier’s check numbers to individuals over the phone.”
Officials say they will never call to collect a fine for missed jury duty, and they won’t call about outstanding warrants or payment requests over the phone. The Dallas County Courts contact prospective jurors through the U.S. mail, and any phone interactions do not include requests for payment or sensitive information. Impersonating a peace officer or public servant is a crime.
Sheriff’s representatives encourage all citizens to take jury duty seriously as a civic responsibility, but they advise residents to be on the lookout for suspicious requests. If you receive a phone call or email and feel it is a scam, you may call Dallas County Jury Services at 214-653-3593.
