The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia is warning that scammers are tricking residents into disclosing their credit card numbers by calling them and telling them they failed to show up for jury duty.
The scammers say they represent federal court and tell the victim they failed to show up for jury duty and a bench warrant for their arrest has been issued, according to a news release from the court. The scammers say the victims must pay a hefty fine and instruct them to give their credit card number or obtain a prepaid card or show up in federal court the next morning, the release says.
Court officials would not call jurors asking for fine payments, credit card numbers or any other personal information. Anyone who receives one of the calls should contact the FBI at 304-346-2300.