The so-called “jury duty scam” has made it way into the Treasure Valley yet again. Numerous people have reported getting calls from a man claiming he’s with the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office and asking for personal information.
“Over the past several days, numerous people have reported receiving a phone call from a scammer who is identifying himself as an employee of the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office -- and telling them they need to pay a fee or they will be arrested for missing jury duty. The scammer is also requesting personal information from the individuals, including some financial information,” said Canyon County spokesman Joe Decker.
“The Canyon County Jury Office would never call a juror, or have another County office or employee call a juror, and demand he or she provide personal information over the phone,” Decker said. “Nor would it ever ask for any payment for noncompliance with jury service.”
Anyone who receives such a call and wishes to learn if they have been called for jury service, should call the Jury Office at 454-7351.
The Better Business Bureau offers these tips on what to do if a scammer calls:
• Hang up – don’t press any buttons and, if you received a voicemail, don’t call the scammer back. We all like to have the last word, but returning the phone call may just give the scammer information they can use.
• Don’t trust caller ID – scammers have technology that lets them display any number or organization name on your screen.
• Never give out any financial information – if you did not initiate the call, do not provide bank account, credit card or Social Security numbers over the phone unless you have thoroughly done your research and verified the caller.
