• The new scam is targeting people across Arizona.
  • Scammers say you've missed jury duty and that you're required to pay fines using gift cards and wire transfers.
  • Here's what you need to know to stay safe.

Here we go again: scammers are targeting people across Arizona in another attempt to separate hard-working citizens from their money.

Jury Duty Scam alert targets Arizona
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Have you heard the latest? Newsweek reports that there's a jury duty scam making the rounds. The hoax has already targeted several counties across the U.S., including Arizona,

READ: Protect Yourself From Gift Card Scams: A Cautionary Tale

The "Jury Duty" Scam Hitting Arizona: What You Need to Know

Scammers call random citizens across our state and pretend they work for the Arizona courts or are police officers. When you answer, they claim you've missed jury duty and begin threatening fines or arrest, demanding you pay fines immediately.

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Jury Duty Scam alert targets Arizona
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As we've seen in previous scams, the callers typically demand payment be made using prepaid gift cards or wire transfers, which are almost impossible to trace. If you make payments using those methods, your money is as good as gone.

READ: USPS Warning of Smishing Scam that Wipes out bank accounts

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Unfortunately, a lot of people have already become victims of this scam. They've lost both money and sensitive personal information. This scam is especially concerning for older adults. They're often more trusting of authority figures and don't always understand the dangers of giving out personal information over the phone.

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How to Stay Safe if Someone Demands Payment in Arizona

  1. Verify Caller Claims: If you get a call, hang up and call the court directly using official contact details.
  2. Avoid Immediate Payment: Courts don't ask for payments over the phone. Never pay fines via gift cards or wire transfers. If you're being pressured to act quickly, that's a red flag you might be getting scammed.

  3. Protect Personal Information:  Never give out sensitive data like Social Security numbers or bank details to unsolicited callers. If you think the claim is legitimate, hang up and call the local authorities to verify the information.
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Make sure you spread the word to friends and family, especially older adults, who might be more vulnerable and less likely to find this information on their own. Let them know that legitimate court officials will never ask for sensitive information or payment over the phone.

Sources: Newsweek | Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

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