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YourHub.com \\ Highlands Ranch \\ Stories \\ News \\ Crime

Sheriff warns of new spin on old scam

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Contributed by: Douglas County Sheriffs Office on 1/22/2008

Sheriff David Weaver wants to warn citizens that a new version of an old scam seems to be popping up again in Douglas County.

The Sheriff received notification from the Douglas County Combined Courts that they had received a few phone calls from citizens about being called for jury duty. A previous notification was sent out a few years ago to notify citizens that people were receiving phone calls from someone, claiming to be a court employee,
saying that they missed jury duty and consequently a bench warrant has been issued for their arrest.

When the victim replies that he/she never received a notice to appear for duty, the caller then suggests that this may be a mistake and that with the victim's cooperation they can probably clear this up over the phone.

The caller then asks for social security number, date of birth, credit card and bank account numbers, etc. If the victim resists giving that information, he/she is reminded that an arrest will occur unless this can be cleared up very quickly.

The new twist from these calls simply states that they have signed up for jury duty and need to verify their information. One citizen stated that the person calling them stated that since their neighbors had signed up for jury duty they were obligated to do so as well, even that it was mandatory. While the message may not be as threatening as the older scam, some may become intimidated enough to give their personal information.

The Sheriff, the Districts Attorneys Office and Douglas County Court personnel want to remind everyone that:

*Court officials will NOT contact you by phone and ask for personal information.
*Court communications come by mail. IF YOU RECEIVE ONE OF THESE CALLS, HANG UP!

If you have caller ID on your phone, note the number of the caller and call the 18th Judicial District Attorneys Office Fraud Assistance Line, 720-874-8547.

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