Thursday, 4:30 PM
ID theft scam uses jury duty as ruse
By Globe Staff
A nationwide identify theft scam in which telemarketers try to convince victims that they are suspected of skipping jury duty has targeted residents in Massachusetts.
According to the Office of Jury Commissioner, people across the state have received calls from individuals claiming to be court officials chasing jury duty scofflaws. The callers are trying to elicit dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and other information that can be used for identity theft.
"This is a particularly ingenious scam because it preys on people's fears and indignation at being falsely accused of breaking the law," said Pamela J. Wood, state jury commissioner, in a statement. She added: "Because the caller isn't selling something or directly asking for personal information, the target often doesn't recognize the scam and is only too eager to offer information to persuade the caller that they've made a mistake."
The calls can be immediately dismissed as a scam because the state never uses the phone to communicate with people who have missed jury duty, Wood said. Jury scofflaws are sent reminders and other notices through the mail.
Officials are asking anyone who may have received one of these calls to hang up and dial the Office of Jury Commissioner at (800) THE-JURY or send an e-mail to JurorHelp@jud.state.ma.us
