The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office is warning residents to be alert following reports of an ongoing phone scam where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or court officials to extort money.
Today, the District Attorney’s Office received a report from a resident who was contacted by a caller claiming the resident had an active arrest warrant for failing to report for jury duty. The scammer demanded immediate payment to clear the warrant and avoid arrest.
This is a complete hoax.
To protect yourself and your family, keep these facts in mind:
Official communication regarding jury duty is handled through the mail, never through an aggressive phone call demanding cash.
Scammers frequently demand payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, prepaid debit cards, or digital apps like Venmo or Zelle. Government agencies will never accept or demand these forms of payment.
Scammers routinely use “spoofing” technology to make it look like the call is originating from a government office. If you are concerned, contact the office yourself using their official number and verify it independently.
To make the scam seem believable, fraudsters will sometimes send official-looking documents via email or text. Do not let official seals or legal jargon fool you.
If you receive a call like this, do not engage with the caller or provide any personal or financial information. Instead, hang up and contact your local police department to report the call.