San Diego Superior Court Warns Of Jury Duty Scam Calls

SAN DIEGO, CA — Officials are warning San Diego County residents of a rise in jury duty scam calls.

Scammers posing as court officials have called and threatened arrests or fines for people missing jury duty, according to San Diego Superior Court.

Callers have instructed residents to pay fines to avoid jail for "failure to appear" or "contempt of court." Some victims have been told they must get money orders or cash and then meet a "court clerk" at or near a county courthouse in order to pay the outstanding warrant fine.

Officials said residents should be wary of calls from people identifying themselves as court staff or insisting that they will be arrested because of missed jury duty. Those who receive a scam phone call should hang up, and if the scammer persists, contact local law enforcement.

"We want the public to know that the court does not make telephone calls to ask for money or threaten arrest," said Michael Roddy, San Diego Superior Court executive officer.

"Legitimate court matters are handled via written notices, not with strong-armed intimidation over the phone," Roddy said. "Additionally, real fines or fees can be paid in cash, check or credit card at the business offices, checks or credit card authorizations can be mailed in, and many payments can be made online, too. Court staff will not insist on cash, gift card or money order payments."