KPD issues alert for recent phone scam
LĪHUʻE – The Kaua‘i Police Department is warning residents of a new phone scam that involves a threatened arrest for missing jury duty.
In the scam, callers impersonate a U.S. Marshals Service officer or state Sheriff to solicit money. Scammers notify victims that they have a warrant for their arrest due to missing jury duty, and that the only way to avoid arrest is to pay a hefty fine.
“These calls are not legitimate. If you receive a phone call like this, do not give them your credit card number, financial or personal information,” stated Assistant Chief Kalani Ke. “Please immediately report it to the Kaua‘i Police Department and block the number if possible.”
To make the scam appear credible, the scammer may use real information about the victim, real court addresses and names of court or law enforcement officials. Scammers may even manipulate the phone number displayed on caller ID to make it seem like the call is coming from a court or a government agency, even though it is not.
If you are contacted by a scammer, please keep in mind a few preventative facts from the U.S. Marshals Service:
- The court will always send a jury summons by U.S. Mail.
- The court and law enforcement will never demand payment over the phone.
- A prospective juror who disregards a jury summons will be contacted through the mail by the court clerk's office and may, in certain circumstances, be ordered to appear before a judge. Such an order will always be in writing and signed by the judge.
- A fine will never be imposed until after the individual has appeared in court and been given the opportunity to explain his or her circumstances. If a fine is imposed, it will be in open court and reduced to writing (and will not be payable by gift card number).
“All reports are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. We greatly appreciate the community’s help in remaining vigilant and reporting these kinds of fraudulent calls,” added Assistant Chief Kalani Ke.
Please immediately report any suspicious calls to KPD by contacting Dispatch at (808) 241-1711.
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