CONCORD — The United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire has issued a public warning about a prevalent phone and email scam involving fake jury duty notifications.
According to the Clerk’s Office, scammers are impersonating Deputy U.S.
Marshals and other government officials to deceive victims with threats of arrest for failing to show up for jury duty.
The victims are told they can avoid arrest by paying a fine.
Authorities advise that if you receive a call of this nature, do not provide any personal information and report the incident immediately to the U.S. Marshals Service at (603) 225-1632.
Scammers have been noted to use sophisticated tactics, including accurate personal details such as addresses and birth dates, names of actual federal judges, court employees, and law enforcement officers, as well as legitimate court addresses, phone numbers, and official case and badge numbers.
They may also manipulate caller ID systems to make it appear as though the call is coming from the court or a government agency.
The fraudulent callers often instruct victims to purchase prepaid debit or gift cards or to make electronic payments to avoid supposed arrest.
Officials want to remind the public that jury summons are always sent via the U.S.
Postal Service, and a court will never request your social security number, financial information, or payment of fines over the phone or by email.
To verify the legitimacy of a jury summons, contact the clerk’s office directly at (603) 225-1423.
