Jury Duty Scams On The Rise In San Mateo County

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — A courthouse in San Mateo County said Wednesday they are aware of an increase in scams targeting residents that claims they have failed to appear for jury duty.

The San Mateo Superior Court said scammers are posing as law enforcement officials or court employees and are contacting residents through phone calls, texts, emails and the mail demanding payment in order to clear false warrants and fines for missing jury service.

"At no time will law enforcement or the Court contact jurors to request payment, threaten arrest, or require that they turn themselves in for missing jury service," a press release stated.

If residents experience these scam calls the courts are asking them to report it to local law enforcement and to email JuryMaster@sanmateocourt.org.

Scammers often ask for untraceable payments such as gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.