FBI warns of jury duty scam targeting Kentuckians

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) — The FBI Louisville Division is warning the public about a jury duty scam targeting Kentuckians.

The scammer apparently says you failed to report for jury duty and may threaten criminal prosecution or jail time. The scammer also says that he or she can avoid arrest by paying a fine immediately and then may request payment information or other personal information.

The scammer may provide information like titles or badge numbers of legitimate law enforcement officers or court officials, names of federal judges and courtroom addresses to make the scam appear credible, the FBI wrote in a press release.

If you receive a call or email, do not provide any personal information and report it, with a description of the caller and any available caller ID information, to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

The FBI is reminding people that federal courts, nor anyone else, calls prospective jurors and asks for money or personal identifying information over the phone.

If someone summoned for jury duty fails to appear, that person will receive a letter by U.S. Mail, not by phone or email.