Treasure Valley citizens are once again being victimized by a phone scam involving federal grand jury duty, according to a news release form the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boise.
“Individuals are contacted by telephone from an imposter posing as an Ada County deputy sheriff, demanding payment for failing to appear for federal grand jury service,” the release stated. “The scam artist then demands payment via cash card or green dot card. After victims purchase the cash cards they are advised to call the imposters back to provide them with the numbers on the back of the card, allowing them to access the money immediately.”
Individuals are then directed to complete the transaction at a “bond kiosk” located at the Ada County Courthouse.
According to the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, deputies will never threaten citizens for missing jury duty, ask citizens to place funds on pre-paid credit cards or make payments at a courthouse kiosk.
In addition, the release said, the federal jury office will never threaten citizens for missing jury duty or ask for funds.
If you do legitimately miss jury duty, you will receive a letter in the mail.
The Better Business Bureau advises that citizens can protect themselves from becoming a victim of identity theft by never disclosing personal information from unsolicited telephone callers.
