Scam Alert: Dartmouth Police Warn of Jury Duty Scam

Recently, Dartmouth police issued a warning about a new scam targeting residents in the area. According to reports, several individuals received phone calls from someone claiming to be a sergeant at the police department. The caller informed the recipients that they had missed jury duty and that there was a warrant out for their arrest. However, police have confirmed that this is a scam and are urging residents to be cautious.

The scam, which preys on people’s fear of legal consequences, is a frightening tactic used by scammers to trick individuals into providing personal information or money. The Dartmouth police department is working to raise awareness about this scam and is advising residents to never give out personal information over the phone.

It’s important to remember that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never contact individuals over the phone to inform them of a warrant or legal matter. If you receive a call like this, it’s crucial to hang up immediately and report the incident to your local police department.

In today’s digital age, scams are becoming more sophisticated, making it essential for individuals to stay vigilant and informed. By sharing this information with friends and family, we can work together to protect our community from falling victim to these deceptive schemes.

Remember, when in doubt, always verify the legitimacy of a call or request before providing any information. Stay safe and stay informed to avoid becoming a victim of scams like this one.

Dartmouth police said several people reported receiving a call from a sergeant at the police department Informing them they possibly missed jury duty and that there’s a warrant out for their arrest. Police said it’s a scam.https://t.co/wZsuSfcbLd

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— NBC 10 WJAR (@NBC10) July 15, 2024

Have you ever received a call from someone claiming to be a police sergeant, informing you that you missed jury duty and there’s a warrant out for your arrest? If so, you’re not alone. Recently, Dartmouth police reported that several people in the area received such calls, only to find out that it was all a scam. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this alarming trend and provide you with some tips on how to protect yourself from falling victim to similar schemes.

What is the Jury Duty Scam?

The jury duty scam is a type of fraud where scammers pose as law enforcement officials, typically police officers or court officials, and call unsuspecting individuals to inform them that they have missed jury duty. The scammers then claim that there is a warrant out for the individual’s arrest as a result of failing to appear for jury duty. They may also demand payment of a fine or provide other instructions on how to resolve the situation.

How Does the Scam Work?

The scammers rely on fear and intimidation tactics to pressure their victims into complying with their demands. By claiming to be law enforcement officials and threatening arrest, they hope to catch their victims off guard and prevent them from questioning the legitimacy of the call. In some cases, the scammers may use spoofing techniques to make it appear as though the call is coming from a legitimate police department or court office.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a police officer or court official regarding jury duty, it’s important to take steps to verify the legitimacy of the call before taking any action. Here are some tips to help you protect yourself from falling victim to the jury duty scam:

1. Ask for Identification: If someone claims to be a police officer or court official, don’t be afraid to ask for their name, badge number, and the name of their department. You can then contact the department directly to verify their identity.
2. Do Your Research: Before providing any personal information or making any payments, take the time to research the phone number and the individual claiming to be a law enforcement official. Look up the phone number online and check for any reports of scams associated with it.
3. Never Provide Personal Information: Legitimate law enforcement officials will never ask for sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number or financial details, over the phone. If someone asks for this information, it’s likely a scam.
4. Hang Up and Call the Police: If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of a call, hang up and contact your local police department directly. They can help you determine whether the call was legitimate or a scam.
   

   What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted?
   

   If you have been targeted by the jury duty scam or any other type of fraud, it’s important to take action to protect yourself and prevent further harm. Here are some steps you can take if you believe you have been a victim of the scam:

5. Report the Incident: Contact your local police department or the Federal Trade Commission to report the scam. Providing as much information as possible can help authorities track down the scammers and prevent them from targeting others.
6. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts for any suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized charges or withdrawals, report them to your financial institution immediately.
7. Change Your Passwords: If you provided any personal information to the scammers, such as your Social Security number or bank account details, change your passwords and monitor your accounts for any signs of identity theft.

   In conclusion, the jury duty scam is a dangerous scheme that preys on individuals’ fear of law enforcement and authority figures. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can protect yourself from falling victim to similar scams and safeguard your personal information. Remember to always verify the legitimacy of any calls or requests for information before taking any action. Stay vigilant and stay safe.