A new telephone scam has been making its rounds across the tristate area, according to New York State Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection and one local pol.
Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis on Monday, February 29 warned residents to be cautious of a new “jury duty” scam, in which con artists are calling victims, claiming to be law enforcement officers or court officials, and telling them that they have failed to serve jury duty and must now pay a fine to avoid arrest.
“We need to make our family, friends and neighbors aware of this scam and all scams so they are not taken advantage of,” said Malliotakis. “It is disturbing that con artists are using a serious civic responsibility in the jury duty summons process to threaten and victimize residents across the country, and we must stay vigilant in the event that the fake calls come to our community next.”
In addition to requiring an immediate credit card payment, the scammers – who have been targeting a large population of immigrants and seniors – also insist on receiving personal information, such the victim’s Social Security number and date of birth.
To avoid the scam, it is important to remember that notice of jury duty is sent in writing through U.S. mail and, in the event that you do have phone contact with a court official, you will never be asked for confidential information.
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