By Staff
The Berrien County Clerk's Office has received phone calls from county residents regarding telephone contact by a male individual notifying them that a bench warrant has been issued for their arrest due to failing to appear for jury duty.
The victim naturally advises the caller that a jury notice was never received. The scammer then asks for "verification" information such as the person's date of birth and social security number. The court NEVER notifies jurors of failure to appear by a phone call.
Don't be a victim of identity theft. Never give your date of birth or social security number to anyone over the phone.
So far, this scam has occurred in Michigan, Ohio, Texas, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Oregon and Washington states.
If the Berrien County Trial Court contacts a prospective juror regarding a failure to appear for jury duty, it will always be by the U.S. mail and not by phone.
If you have any questions, please contact the Berrien County Clerk's Office at (269) 983-7111, extension, 8368.