Public Warned Of Jury Duty Phone Scam In Chattanooga Area

  • Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Chattanooga area residents are being targeted by phone calls regarding failure to report for jury duty from a person claiming to be from the U.S. Marshal Service. The scam involves an individual contacting the victim, telling him/her that he/she has missed federal jury duty, and demanding the victim pay a fine to avoid being arrested.   

Often, to make the scheme believable, victims are provided with factual information such as the title and badge number of a law enforcement officer or court official, the name of a federal judge, and the courthouse address.
They are also using technology to mask their phone number on caller ID and make it appear as if the call is actually coming from the court or a government agency. This tactic is called “spoofing” and has become very common with scammers nationwide. In some cases, the scammer may carry the scheme out via email with an official looking email address.

 
If one receives a jury duty related call or email, they should not provide any personal information or send money. The U.S. Marshal Service does not call or email prospective jurors or ask for money or personal information and they never serve an arrest warrant by phone. Real, valid arrest warrants are always served in person. They also do not demand the payment of money in lieu of arrest, nor accept payment via prepaid card.
 
Anyone receiving one of these calls or emails should report it report it immediately to their local U.S. Marshals Service, 423-752-5115 or the FBI, https://tips.fbi.gov. If available, one should have the caller ID or email address information of the scammer when you call.
Breaking News
Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 3/28/2024

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report: ADERHOLT, FELICIA DAWN 1110 ST CLAIR ST DUNLAP, 37327 Age at Arrest: 37 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Booked for Previous ... more

Signal Mountain Must Determine How To Use Remainder Of ARPA Funds
  • 3/27/2024

The town of Signal Mountain has $358,637 remaining from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds it received and there must be a plan in place by the end of the year for how the money will be ... more

Chattanooga Man Gets 21-Year Sentence For Fentanyl Death Of 19-Year-Old
Chattanooga Man Gets 21-Year Sentence For Fentanyl Death Of 19-Year-Old
  • 3/27/2024

A 25-year-old Chattanooga man, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison for supplying drugs that led to the death of 19-year-old Charlotte Gallant. Jonathan Bash appeared before Judge Curtis ... more