Scam calls about fines over missed jury duty reported in Michigan again
LANSING, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reports that scammers have been contacting residents, particularly in the west part of the state, on claims of missed jury duty.
In a recent incident, fraudsters claiming to represent the Kent County Sheriff's Office called people and insisted on immediate bond postings on the false claim they failed to appear for jury duty. Nessel's office and local authorities have investigated such complaints before; including calls received by Oakland County residents during 2024.
Delinquent jurors would never be contacted by phone to pay fines for missed jury duty, Nessel said in her announcement. Official notifications of that kind would arrive by mail, with instructions of what to do next.
"Scammers use fear and intimidation as tactics to steal your hard-earned money," Nessel said. "A government agency will never demand immediate payment over the phone. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be with a government agency and suspect it's a scam, hang up and verify the agency's contact information."
Looking up the phone number for the government office in question can allow a citizen to determine if the number given is correct. It also gives a chance to reach out to the office independently.
Additional tips on dealing with scam attempts via phone, text or email are on the Michigan attorney general's Government Imposter Scams tips page.
