It’s not only our devices that need protection—our personal information does too. We’ve recently been alerted to a new jury duty scam that’s circulating, one that could potentially trick individuals into sending money to scammers.
Recognizing the scam: signs and red flags.
This latest scam involves a call from what appears to be the “sheriff’s department”, informing you that you missed jury duty and that there’s now a warrant (or two) out for your arrest. Armed with your personal information, like your address, these scammers seem incredibly legitimate. They even provide “badge numbers” to authenticate their false claims.
The catch? They want you to send “bail money.” Of course, they’ll tell you that you can’t go to the actual police station to pay because you’d be arrested due to your supposed warrant.
We cannot emphasize this enough: law enforcement will NEVER ask you to send money over the phone or through a money center for missed jury duty.
The scammers may mention a “gag order,” which they tell you means you can’t tell your friends, family or employer what’s going on. They may mention a “make and maintain contact order,” which is fake, but they use it as their excuse to stay on the phone with you. Remember: don’t let anyone scare you into sending money or information. Know your rights.
Protecting yourself: key safety tips.
We recommend sharing this information with colleagues and family, particularly those who might be more susceptible to scams. Awareness is a key defense.
To protect yourself:
- Never share sensitive information over the phone or send money in response to unsolicited calls.
- Always independently verify the identity of the caller.
- Report any suspicious calls to local law enforcement.
Reporting and staying informed: Magna5’s commitment to your security.
Stay vigilant, stay safe, and remember, Magna5 is here to provide the cybersecurity support you need. We are committed to keeping you informed about the latest threats and scams, so stay connected with us for ongoing support and insights to navigate today’s digital threats.
