National Jury Duty Phone Scam Makes it Way to Southern Indiana

If you get a call from someone claiming to be from the U.S. Marshal's Office threatening to arrest you for missing jury duty unless you pay a fine, be cautious. It's likely a phone scam the Tri-State Better Business Bureau (BBB) says is targeting local residents.

According to the BBB, who received the information from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana and the U.S. Attorney’s office, this phone scam have been happening across the country for some time, but have recently started targeting potential victims in our area.

Whoever the mystery face behind the voice happens to be, the scam they've concocted is pretty sophisticated. The BBB says the scammers, "may use names of real court personnel, police officers or sheriff’s deputies in their bid to convince you to pay a fine." In some reported cases they even have "the victim’s work address, home address and date of birth," leading the potential victim to believe the call is legitimate.

The U.S. District Court is using this scam to remind residents that “in no instance will a court official, U.S. Marshal, or other government employee contact someone and demand payment or personal information by phone or email.”

It's important to share news of these scams with friends and family, particularly the elderly, who are often prime targets for these types of scams. If you or someone you know has received a call like this, contact the District Court Clerk’s Office at 317-229-3700, the Federal Trade Commission, and the U. S. Marshals Service at 317-226-6566.

[Source: Tri-State Better Business Bureau]