Authorities Warn Of Jury Duty Phone Scam In Pittsburgh Area

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Federal authorities are warning residents in the Pittsburgh area about a nationwide telephone scam in which callers purporting to be officials are collecting fines from people who fail to report for jury duty.

The U.S. Marshals Service on Tuesday said scammers are calling residents in the region pretending to be U.S. Marshals, court workers or others in law enforcement.

Authorities say the callers say fines must be paid to avoid jail time for missing jury duty.

Officials say the callers sometimes mention the names of judges or provide badge numbers or courthouse addresses. They also often ask people to call a number and provide their credit card information.

Federal authorities say officials don't call anyone to arrange payment of fines over the phone for not reporting for jury duty.

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