Scammers are calling Thurston County residents to threaten arrest for missed jury service, Thurston County officials warn.
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office and County Jury Administration announced Friday that they have received reports of scam callers telling residents they missed jury service and demanding money, bank details and confidential personal information. The scammers then make aggressive threats of arrest for “failure to appear.”
“Officials say scammers are trying to prey on people’s fear of the legal system, but the county’s jury service communications policies are clear: No Thurston County employee will ever call and demand bank account details or social security numbers for a missed jury summons,” the county said in a news release. “If you get a call like this, hang up immediately. It’s a scam.”
Learn more about the county’s efforts to help residents avoid becoming victims of fraud and identity theft under “scam information” at https://tinyurl.com/3pj82f3b.
The scam
• The threat — Callers falsely claim jury duty was missed and threaten arrest.
• The demand — Callers demand bank account and Social Security numbers, or wire transfers, gift cards or some form of payment to “clear the warrant.”
• The county policy — Official jury communications are by mail. If you miss jury service, county employees won’t contact you by phone.
What to do
• If you get a call — Hang up immediately. Don’t engage in conversation.
• If you already got a call like this and gave out information – Report it.
• If you want to verify your jury service — Check the county’s website or call 360-754-4109.
• Report scams to Thurston County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 360-704-2740.
