New warning of jury duty scam in Rhode Island
By: The Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Residents in Rhode Island are urged to be aware of jury duty scams.
The U.S. Marshals Service issued a warning Monday that there has been an increase in telephone scams asking people to pay fines for missing jury duty.
The scams entail people claiming to be U.S. Marshals, court officers, or law enforcement officials.
Authorities say these people threaten individuals with arrest if they don’t pay a fine over the phone using a credit card.
U.S. Marshal Jamie Hainsworth said the Marshals Service never calls anyone to arrange payment of fines over the phone.
The scammers at times try to appear more credible by providing badge numbers, names of federal judges, and courthouse addresses.
Rhode Island residents are warned not to give out personal information to unknown callers.
© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2016
