HOUSTON – Despite previous warnings, jury duty scams are still targeting people. Recently, a KPRC 2 viewer shared a suspicious call she received. Investigator Amy Davis has what you need to know to stay safe.
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The Scam Call: What it Sounds like
Viewer Sarah Jane received a call claiming she had missed jury duty. She’s heard the warnings about scam calls before but this message was alarming, making it sound legitimate. Here’s what the scammer said:
“This is Detective Mike Bronson. I’ve initiated contact with you. I must inform you that you’re not going to contact within 5 to 10 minutes. I have no choice but to put it in the system as non-compliant, and officers will be dispatched to your location.”
Sarah Jane wisely checked with her law enforcement relative, who confirmed the call was fake.
Aggressive tactics: What to watch for
In similar scams, some callers take an aggressive tone, even threatening to send officers to your home within hours if you don’t comply. One viewer reported speaking with two men playing “good cop, bad cop,” repeatedly harassing her over missed jury duty. After several calls, she reached out to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, who verified the calls were a scam.
Here’s what you should know:
- Jury summons: Courts send official jury summons by mail, not by phone.
- No payments by phone: A court will never demand payment over the phone for missed jury duty.
What Happens if You Miss Jury Duty
You’ll be contacted by the court clerk’s office. In some cases, you may be ordered to appear before a judge, but fines are only imposed after you have a chance to explain your absence.
Fines can range from $100 to $500.
In rare cases, jail time of three to six months can be imposed, but only after due process.
The U.S. Marshals Service has issued a nationwide warning about these types of jury duty scam calls. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and report it to local law enforcement and the U.S. District Court in your area.
Montgomery County jury duty FAQ
Fort Bend County jury duty FAQ
Do you have a question or topic idea for Amy? Email AskAmy@kprc.com.