Consumer Minute: Jury Duty Phone Scam

Columbia, SC (WOLO)–Don’t be taken by a phone call that’s the latest scam designed to take your money. The SC Department of Consumer Affairs is warning the public about a jury duty scam. Officials say there have been reports of callers insisting the consumer has failed to report to jury duty and will be arrested due to this absence. There is a quick fix… you won‘t be arrested if you pay a fine, through a pre-paid debit card. Protect yourself with these tips if you encounter a scam caller: one space· Never reveal any personal information when fielding an unsolicited phone call. Court staff will never call to ask for payment for a fine. Most courts correspond with prospective jurors through mail. one space· Challenge the caller. Ask for their name and other defining details. one space· Caller ID can be spoofed. Scammers can make calls seem even more legitimate by spoofing caller ID to make it seem like they are calling for a law enforcement office. For more information on scams, or to report a scam, consumers can visit SCDCA‘s website at www.consumer.sc.gov