Most scams involve a resident receiving a call advising they missed jury service and there is a citation for a bench warrant
VANCOUVER — Court Administrator Cheryl A. Stone of the Clark County Superior Court, is alerting Clark County residents that there is currently another scam being perpetrated regarding jury service. Scammers are calling citizens and telling them that they have missed jury service and must either meet with someone or provide banking, credit card, or other information to avoid being jailed.
Most scams involve a resident receiving a call advising they missed jury service and there is a citation for a bench warrant. Below are some examples of the interactions Clark County citizens have had with jury scammers:
- The caller states that a citation must be paid immediately, or the juror will be subject to arrest, or an arrest warrant will be issued.
- The caller states that District Court Judge James B. Smith has issued the juror a warrant for a failure to appear for jury service.
- The caller may identify themselves as a law enforcement or court deputy and provide a badge number and phone number.
- The caller may ask for the person’s name, address or social security number.
- The caller may tell the person to stay on the phone and not attempt to disconnect.
- The caller may direct the person to meet them with cash or pay for the citation over the phone.
All of these statements are fraudulent.
Clark County Superior Court and Clark County District Court do not initiate calls about warrants, fines, fees, or other forms of payments for jury service.
“If you receive a call from individuals using any of the above tactics, do not give any personal information or pay any sum of money,” said Court Administrator Cheryl A. Stone of Superior Court. “Obtain as much information as you can about the caller and report it to your local police department.”
Anyone who missed jury service in Clark County would not receive a phone call requesting money and threatening arrest. Jurors who failed to appear for jury service are urged to call the Clark County Courthouse at (564) 397-2049. If a juror does not call, they may be subject to a misdemeanor (RCW 2.36.170: Failure to appear – penalty).
Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.
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