Administrative Judge Alison McCarty says that scammers are impersonating law enforcement officers to intimidate residents into paying fraudulent fines.
According to officials, the scam typically involves a phone call from “law enforcement” in which the caller claims the recipient failed to appear for jury service. The scammer then allegedly demands payment of a fine and threatens arrest if the payment is not made.
The court emphasized in a press release that the Summit County Jury Commissioner’s office will never contact residents by phone regarding missed jury service. Instead, when a juror misses a scheduled date, the office will send a letter requesting the juror reschedule.
Furthermore, no law enforcement officer will call residents about missed jury service or demand payment of any kind.
Residents who have already provided confidential information to someone claiming to represent law enforcement are urged to take immediate steps to protect their identity.
“These fraudulent activities …