New scam targets residents about jury duty, Thurston County officials warn
A scam that targets residents about jury duty is circulating in Thurston County, the Sheriff’s Office and County Jury Administration announced on Friday.
County officials say they have received reports of scammers telling residents they missed jury service. They then demand money, bank details, confidential personal information and make threats of arrest for “failure to appear,” according to a news release.
“No Thurston County employee will ever call and demand bank account details or social security numbers for a missed jury summons,” the news release reads. “If you get a call like this, hang up immediately. It’s a scam.”
About the scam calls
- Callers falsely claim jury duty was missed and threaten arrest.
- Callers demand bank account and social security numbers, or wire transfers, gift cards, or some form of payment to “clear the warrant.”
- County policy: Official jury communications are by mail. If you miss jury service, county employees won’t contact you by phone.
If you receive a scam call
- Hang up immediately. Don’t engage in conversation.
- If you have received such a call and provided information to the scammer, report it by calling the Thurston County non-emergency line at 360-704-2740.
- If you want to verify your jury service, check the county’s website or call 360-754-4109.
- More information about scams can be found on this county website.