Jury Scams
The Court does not ask for Financial Information from Jurors
Do not provide any information having to do with your bank, credit card, or other financial information to anyone claiming to be an officer of the court.
What is Happening?
Throughout the state and country, imposters representing themselves as a court employee or law enforcement officers contact members of the public that they have missed their jury duty and that a warrant is now out for their arrest. The imposters say that if the juror pays them hundreds of dollars, the matter would be resolved. This is just one of many scams.
How Can You Tell This is a Scam?
Please be aware that the court will NEVER contact a person via telephone or email and demand payment of a fine to avoid being arrested for failing to appear for jury service. People who fail to appear for jury service may receive a letter from the court with a date to appear to explain to a judge why they failed to appear. Only a judge can require people to pay a fine for failing to appear for jury service and this can only occur after a person has been given the opportunity to explain themselves in open court.
What You Should Do
If you receive one of these phone calls, do not provide any personal or confidential information to these individuals. This is an attempt to steal your identity. It is an attempt to defraud you. Contact law enforcement immediately.
Law Enforcement Websites and Phone Numbers
- Mendocino County Sheriff's Office - (707) 463-4086
- Fort Bragg Police Department - (707) 964-0200
- Ukiah Police Department - (707) 462-6262
- Willits Police Department - (707) 459-6122