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Galveston Residents Warned of Jury Duty Phone Scam

Jury Duty Phone Scam

The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas has issued a warning to Galveston residents about a recent surge in phone scams targeting potential jurors. Scammers, posing as U.S. marshals or court officials, are contacting individuals to falsely claim they have missed jury duty and must pay a fine to avoid arrest.

How the Scam Operates

These fraudulent calls typically involve the caller asserting that the recipient has failed to appear for jury duty, resulting in a warrant for their arrest. To resolve the issue, the caller demands immediate payment of a fine, often instructing victims to provide personal information or make payments via untraceable methods.

Official Response

The U.S. District Court emphasizes that it does not request personal information or payments over the phone. Anyone receiving such a call should not provide any information, hang up immediately, and report the incident to the U.S. District Clerk’s Office, local law enforcement, and the Federal Trade Commission.

Protecting Yourself

Residents are advised to:

  • Verify Information: If contacted about jury duty, reach out directly to the U.S. District Clerk’s Office to confirm the legitimacy of the call.
  • Guard Personal Information: Never share personal or financial details over the phone unless you are certain of the caller’s identity.
  • Report Suspicious Activity: Inform local authorities and the Federal Trade Commission about any suspicious calls.
  • By staying vigilant and informed, Galveston residents can protect themselves from falling victim to these scams.
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