FTC Alerts Public to New Scam Posing as Court Officials

FTC Alert

The FTC has issued a warning about an alarming scam involving fake court officials and threats.

At a Glance

  • People are being targeted by phone call, email, and messaging scams threatening them with prosecution for failing to comply with jury service.
  • Recipients are pressured to provide confidential data, potentially leading to identity theft and fraud.
  • Scammers threaten recipients with fines and jail time if they do not comply.
  • Federal courts do not require anyone to provide sensitive information via telephone call or email.
  • Most contact with prospective jurors comes through U.S. mail, not phone or email requests for information.

Detailing the Jury Duty Scam

Criminals are targeting individuals through phone calls and emails, pretending to be court officials and claiming that the recipients have missed jury duty. These fraudulent messages threaten hefty fines, unexpected court summons, or even arrest if the victims do not respond quickly. To convince their targets, scammers may provide fake badge numbers and case details, demanding immediate financial settlements or personal information.

The perpetrators use fear tactics to pressurize recipients into divulging confidential information, which can lead to identity theft and other fraud. True court officials will never request sensitive details through phone or email. Instead, most communications between the federal courts and prospective jurors occur via U.S. mail, and court officials will not ask for sensitive information over the phone or through email channels. For more information, visit US Courts.

The Implications of Providing Sensitive Data

Providing sensitive personal information to these scammers can have significant negative consequences. Victims who comply with the scammers’ demands may experience identity theft, financial loss, and long-lasting damage to their financial accounts. The Judiciary takes the false representation of a federal court official very seriously, and it is a crime to impersonate one.

To protect yourself, if you receive any such communication, it is crucial to independently verify the claims by contacting the court directly using official phone numbers and email addresses. Never provide sensitive information or make payments based on unsolicited communications.

Extending Beyond Jury Scams

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) continues to fight against a broad range of scam attempts beyond the jury duty fraud. Recent cases include fraudulent job postings, misleading advertisements, and deceptive practices involving Bitcoin ATMs. For instance, the FTC announced a settlement with Care.com for misleading workers about job prospects and making it difficult to cancel subscriptions. Full details are available at the FTC Consumer Information website.

“The FTC will never threaten you, say you must transfer your money to ‘protect it,’ or tell you to withdraw cash or buy gold and give it to someone. That’s a scam.”

Other prevalent scams include fake package delivery notifications, false investment opportunities, and fake heirs to estates. In all these situations, it’s vital to recognize and avoid unsolicited requests for personal information or payments.

Protecting Against Future Scams

To safeguard against scams, individuals should be vigilant and highly skeptical of unsolicited communications that ask for sensitive information or money. Always verify the authenticity of any claims by contacting relevant organizations directly through trusted contact methods. Avoid making hasty decisions based on fear or high-pressure tactics.

For more guidance on avoiding scams, visit the FTC’s Consumer Information website which provides valuable tips and resources on spotting and preventing fraud. Stay informed and cautious to protect yourself and your loved ones.

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