The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) is warning the public about a frighteningly convincing jury duty scam.
There have been reports of callers insisting the consumer has failed to report to jury duty and will be arrested due to this absence. There is a quick fix, though! The consumer won’t be arrested if they simply pay a fine– immediately. This fine is often requested via pre-paid debit card, so the scammer can easily access the money through the number on the card. In previous cases, the scammer has asked for personal information such as social security number and birth date, for “verification” purposes. The ultimate objective of the scam seems to have evolved from identity theft to an attempt to get money.
Do not provide these cons with information or money. Protect yourself with these tips if you encounter a scam caller:
-Never reveal any personal information when fielding an unsolicited phone call. Court staff will never call to ask for payment for a fine. Most courts correspond with prospective jurors through mail.
-Challenge the caller. Ask for their name and other defining details. If they claim to work for a specific county or city, hang up and contact the alleged organization at a number you know is correct. The scammer is likely to hang up once you begin asking questions.