Jury Duty Phone Scam Warning: What You Need To Know!

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Scams have become increasingly prevalent in today’s digital age, with scammers constantly devising new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One such scam that has gained traction in recent years is the jury duty phone scam. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of this scam, including what it is, how it works, what to do if you have fallen victim, and other relevant data.

Scams

What is the Jury Duty Phone Scam?

The jury duty phone scam involves scammers posing as court officials or law enforcement officers who contact victims by phone, claiming that they have missed jury duty and now face legal consequences. The scammers use fear tactics to manipulate their victims into providing personal information or making immediate payments to avoid arrest or other penalties.

How Does the Scam Work?

The jury duty phone scam typically follows a specific pattern:

  1. The scammer initiates contact by phone, often using a spoofed number to make it appear as if the call is coming from a legitimate source.
  2. They identify themselves as a court official or law enforcement officer and inform the victim that they have missed jury duty.
  3. The scammer creates a sense of urgency and fear by threatening the victim with arrest or fines if they do not comply.
  4. They request personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, or credit card information.
  5. In some cases, the scammer may instruct the victim to make immediate payments using prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
  6. Once the victim provides the requested information or makes the payment, the scammer disappears, leaving the victim at a financial loss and vulnerable to identity theft.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

If you have fallen victim to the jury duty phone scam, it is crucial to take immediate action to minimize the potential damage:

  1. Contact your local law enforcement agency and provide them with all the relevant details of the scam.
  2. Report the incident to your state’s Attorney General’s office or consumer protection agency.
  3. Monitor your financial accounts and credit reports regularly for any suspicious activity.
  4. If you provided your Social Security number, consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit file to prevent further unauthorized access.
  5. Change all passwords for your online accounts, especially those associated with sensitive information.
  6. Consider running a scan with Malwarebytes Free or other reputable antivirus software to ensure your device is not infected with malware.

Other Relevant Data

The jury duty phone scam has affected individuals across the United States, with reports of victims losing significant amounts of money. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), impostor scams, including jury duty scams, accounted for over $667 million in reported losses in 2020 alone.

It is important to note that legitimate court officials or law enforcement officers will never contact individuals by phone to request personal information or immediate payments related to jury duty. Courts typically communicate with potential jurors through official mail correspondence.

Furthermore, it is crucial to be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, especially those that create a sense of urgency or demand immediate action. Taking the time to verify the caller’s identity and independently contacting the relevant institution can help protect against falling victim to scams.

Summary

The jury duty phone scam is a deceptive scheme that preys on individuals’ fear of legal consequences. By posing as court officials or law enforcement officers, scammers manipulate their victims into providing personal information or making immediate payments. If you have fallen victim to this scam, it is essential to report the incident, monitor your financial accounts, and take steps to protect your identity.

Remember, legitimate institutions will never request personal information or payments over the phone. Stay vigilant, be cautious of unsolicited calls, and always verify the caller’s identity before taking any action. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, you can protect yourself from falling victim to scams like the jury duty phone scam.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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