Fraud Alert from Philadelphia Sheriff John D. Green Don’t Summon Trouble: PA’s SHERIFFS WARN PUBLIC OF FRAUD INVOLVING JURY DUTY

Pennsylvania’s sheriffs are issuing alerts urging constituents to beware of a popular identification theft scheme involving jury service.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), some con artists identifying themselves as U.S. court employees, called citizens in areas across the country inquiring about their failure to report for jury duty. If the person denies ever receiving a jury summons, the caller asks for the person’s name and Social Security number, and may request credit card numbers to pay “fines” for missing jury duty.

Philadelphia Sheriff John D. Green warns the public that, “The judicial system does not contact people by phone to ask for personal information or financial data.” He advises anyone receiving such a phone call to hang up immediately.  Do not provide any personal or confidential information over the phone even if the person threatens you with a fine. This is an attempt to steal your identity and defraud you.

Anyone who has already been contacted and has given out personal information should monitor bank account and credit card statements, credit reports, and contact the FBI’s Philadelphia Office, 600 Arch Street, 19106 or call 215-418-4000.