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No show for jury duty? Win a prize? New phone scam hits Richmond.

Posted at 12:35 PM, May 30, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-30 12:56:50-04

RICHMOND, Va. — Several nationwide telephone scams involving individuals claiming to be U.S. marshals, court officers, or other law enforcement officials have been recently reported in the Richmond and Hampton Roads area.

The U.S. Marshals Service said there have been multiple incidents reported recently.

In one scam, the caller attempts to collect a fine in lieu of arrest for failing to report for jury duty.

The U.S. Marshals Service reminded the public that they do not call anyone to arrange payment of fines over the phone for failure to appear for jury duty or any other infraction.

In another scam, call recipients are told they have won the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes and are directed to pay a fee in order to claim the prize.

In order to appear credible, these scammers may provide information like badge numbers, the names of actual law enforcement officials and federal judges, and courthouse addresses.

They may also spoof their phone numbers to appear on caller ID as if they are calling from the court or a government agency.

Victims have been told they can avoid arrest or claim a prize by purchasing a prepaid debit card or gift card and reading that number over the phone to the scammers.

The Marshals Service urges the public not to divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers, even if they sound legitimate. Actual court orders can be verified through the clerk of court’s office of the U.S. District Court in your area.

If you believe you were a victim of such a scam, you are encouraged to report the incident to your local U.S. Marshals Service office.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.

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