Jury Duty Calls? Maybe Not

HT the "Proof and Hearsay" blog of JS.

Wisconsin residents are being warned not to give out personal information to people who may be posing as court officials.

In recent weeks, residents in three Wisconsin counties reported being asked for personal information by telephone callers accusing them of missing jury duty, said A. John Voelker, director of state courts.

The scam sometimes works because callers are fearful they may be in legal trouble, said Glen Loyd, a consumer affairs specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

The best way to protect yourself from this scam is to remember that a legitimate request for jury-duty service will arrive by mail as a summons from the clerk of circuit court in the county in which you live, Voelker said.

Many counties allow jurors to respond to juror questionnaires online, and a legitimate questionnaire will include instructions on how to do so through the clerk of circuit court’s Web site. Clerks may also follow up with phone calls, but initial contact regarding jury duty will not be made by e-mail or telephone, Voelker said

You've been warned. End of PSA.