WARNING - JURY SCAM ALERT
The public is urged to be aware of a jury scam targeting citizens through fraudulent phone calls, emails, text messages or mailings from individuals claiming to be court officers or law enforcement officials threatening criminal prosecution for failing to report for jury duty. The scammers are also seeking to collect a fine in lieu of arrest, and asking victims to provide their personal and financial information.
In an effort to appear more credible, scammers often use certified mail, false phone numbers which appear legitimate, the names of actual court officials, law enforcement badge numbers, and courthouse addresses.
These communications are SCAMS.
- Federal courts do not call, email or text anyone to arrange payment of fines for failure to appear for jury duty.
- Federal courts do not require anyone to provide any sensitive information in a telephone call, email or text message.
- Most contact between a federal court and a prospective juror will be through the U.S. mail, and any phone or email contact by real court officials will not include requests for any sensitive information.
The public is urged to not divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers, even if they sound legitimate. If you believe you may have been a victim of one of these communications, you are encouraged to report the incident to your local law enforcement department, the local U.S. Marshals Service, or FBI office.
For additional information regarding possible jury scams, please visit the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts’ webpage on jury scams: https://www.uscourts.gov/court-programs/jury-service/juror-scams.
Want to learn more? Click here to watch an informative video.
Thank You.
Welcome to jury duty in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio. Your faithful service as a juror is one of the highest duties of citizenship. We are confident you will find your time spent as a juror both an important and rewarding experience.
Jurors perform a vital role in the American judicial system. The protection of our constitutional rights and liberties is largely achieved through the teamwork of judge and jury who, working together, ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice. The judge determines the law to be applied in the case while the jury decides the facts. Thus, in a significant way, jurors become a part of the Court.
Our Court is grateful for your willingness to accept this responsibility. We wish to extend our appreciation for your service and trust that you will leave with a greater understanding of our jury system in this country.
Christian M. Capece
Clerk of Court