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Public Alert: Fraud Scam about Fine Collection for Failure to Appear for Jury Duty

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Please be alert to a reoccurring scam identified by the U.S. Marshals Service. The U.S. Marshals Service is warning the public of a nationwide telephone scam involving individuals claiming to be U.S. Marshals, court officers, or law enforcement officials seeking to collect a fine in lieu of arrest for failing to report for jury duty.  The U.S. Marshals Service said it does not call anyone to arrange payment of fines over the phone for failure to appear for jury duty or any other infraction.  In order to appear more credible, the scammers may even provide information like badge numbers and the names of actual federal judges and courthouse addresses.  Victims have been told they can avoid arrest by paying a fine using a reloadable credit card and are urged to call a number and provide their own credit card number to initiate the process.  The U.S. Marshals Service urges the public not to divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers, even if they sound legitimate.  If anyone contacts you to attempt to collect money, hang up and call the Jury Administration Office at 315-234-8520 to file a report. DO NOT GIVE ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION TO THE CALLER. Federal personnel will never attempt to collect a fine over the telephone.  Anyone failing to report for jury duty will be notified via U.S. Mail and will be rescheduled for service at a later date.  Fines are only imposed upon Court order, following a personal appearance before a federal judge.