Residents of Mecklenburg County are being alerted to a new jury duty scam that emerged in July 2024. Authorities have noted a rise in fraudulent phone calls and emails targeting locals with threats of fines or arrest for supposedly missing jury duty.
According to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are impersonating law enforcement officials and demanding immediate payment to avoid legal repercussions. These scammers often request payments through prepaid cards, wire transfers, or other untraceable means, and may also ask for personal details such as Social Security numbers or banking information.
Sheriff Garry McFadden highlighted that the sheriff’s office never contacts residents by phone or email to demand payment for missed jury duty. Official communications about jury duty are always sent via formal letters through the mail. Sheriff McFadden advised residents to hang up immediately if they receive such a call and to avoid responding to suspicious emails.
“This is a sophisticated scam, and it’s crucial for everyone to stay alert. We want to ensure that no one becomes a victim of these fraudsters. If you receive a call or email about missing jury duty, contact our office directly to confirm its authenticity,” Sheriff McFadden told Scamnews.info.
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office has established a hotline for residents to report suspicious calls and emails. They encourage anyone who believes they have been targeted by this scam to come forward.
If you encounter any fraudulent activities, please remain calm and report the incident immediately to local authorities. For further assistance and professional advice, you can also contact us.