Federal, state authorities warn of return of missed jury duty, outstanding warrant scam

SALT LAKE CITY — The U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. District Court Clerk’s Office are warning Utahns about the return of a phone scam as old as time itself. The missed jury duty and outstanding warrant scams are back.

A press release sent this week warns that some residents of Utah have already gotten a round of these calls from imposters claiming to be U.S. Marshals, court employees or law enforcement officers, telling the victim that if they don’t take action, they face arrest.

The release warns not only Utahns, but residents of surrounding states that they failed to appear for jury duty or for a hearing, that a warrant has been issued for their arrest, or that a fine must be paid immediately. The victim is instructed that they must pay the “bail” or “fine” or be arrested. The callers can be very convincing, urgent and intimidating.

A recent victim was told they missed a hearing on September 15. The caller said that a subpoena had been served on her when she was out of state when in reality no one at her home or office had ever received such a notice.

She was then told to go into the courthouse, through security, and talk to a deputy to get a “subpoena packet.” The caller did not ask for money, only that she come to the courthouse.

Presumably, she would have then encountered the scammer or received a call with further instructions.

Another victim was recently told to meet with someone outside the courthouse to pay for failure to appear. Other persons were informed they had a warrant with a $5,000 bond. To pay the bond they were told to go to CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Utah said they have previously issued warnings to the public about these same types of scams and reminded people to not to fall victim.

If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or have received a scam phone call, phishing email or fax, contact your local police or sheriff’s department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (801-579-1400), and the United States Marshals Service (801-907-2501).

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