Don’t Fall For Jury Duty Telephone Scam



LINCOLNTON -- Don’t Fall For Jury Duty Telephone Scam

LINCOLNTON –- This first came to our attention two years ago from the Federal Bureau of Investigation but we believe it bears repeating.

Lincoln County Sheriff Tim Daugherty wants everyone to be aware of how you can become a victim of Identity Theft by something as simple as a summons for jury duty.

Your phone rings, you pick it up and the caller identifies himself as officer of the court. He says you failed to report for jury duty and that a warrant is out for your arrest. To clear it up, the caller says he will need some information for verification purposes such as your birth date, social security number and maybe even a credit card number.

Facing the unexpected threat of arrest, victims are caught off guard and may be quick to part with some information to defuse the situation. With enough information, scammers can assume you identity and empty your bank account.

Sheriff Daugherty says when you hear the caller ask for personal information, hang up the phone. Citizens should never give out personal information over the telephone.

If you receive a call of this type, notify the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 704-732-9050.