TUCSON, Ariz. - Pima County Superior Court says scammers are calling people and trying to get them to buy gift or cash cards to cover fines for skipping jury duty.
The scammers tell prospective victims that they are being contacted because they failed to appear for jury duty, and are in danger of arrest unless they pay fines by buying cards.
Law enforcement officers do not contact people and ask for payment of fines over the phone to avoid arrest.
Court officials say you shouldn't give out card or Social Security Numbers over the phone.
Those who don't show up for jury duty are sent a notice card advising them to call to reschedule their service, and that failure to do so could bring further action from the court.
Victims can verify whether a notice from the court is legitimate by calling 724-4222.
Scam victims can report the incidents to Tucson police at 791-4444, the Pima County Sheriff's Department at 351-4900 or the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov.
