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Jury duty scams being reported in Oregon — yet again

KTVZ file

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Judicial Department reported Friday that Oregonians are once again being targeted by fraudulent phone calls, emails or texts threatening them with fines, prosecution or jail time for failing to comply with supposed jury service.

According to the OJD, the most recent reports are from the Willamette Valley, but it is likely that other areas may be targeted as well.

In these calls, emails, or texts, recipients are pressured to provide confidential data such as bank account information, credit card numbers, date of birth or Social Security numbers, potentially leading to identity theft and fraud.

These fraudulent calls or messages – which threaten recipients with fines and jail time if they do not comply – are not connected with the state or federal courts.

State and federal courts do not require anyone to provide sensitive information in a telephone call, email or text. Oregon state courts may provide jury notices and reminders by text, but these will not request personal information, make threats or demand money.

People receiving such a jury-related telephone call, email or text demanding information or money should not provide the requested information or payment, reply directly to the text or email, click on any links, or open any attachments – even if it appears that the message is coming from the court or a local police agency.

Scammers can often create messages that look like they are coming from a legitimate source. If possible, get the caller's name and number and then hang up. Reach out directly to the local court to verify or report the contact.

For state courts, including the circuit courts in each Oregon county, report the call or contact to the local circuit court jury coordinator immediately. Contact information for Oregon’s state circuit courts is available at courts.oregon.gov/courts. For Oregon’s federal courts, information about jury service and possible scams is available at ord.uscourts.gov/jurors

Jury duty is a vital civic responsibility and should be taken seriously by all citizens, the department said. However, it is a crime for anyone to falsely represent himself or herself as a state or federal court official.

If you have received one of these calls, emails or texts and have given out personal information, monitor your account statements and credit reports carefully.

If any unauthorized charges are made, report the theft to local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission at 877-438-4338 or www.consumer.gov/idtheft. And contact a credit bureau to request that it place a fraud alert on your credit history.

Article Topic Follows: Crime And Courts

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