INDIANAPOLIS — The Marion County Sheriff's Office warned the public of a jury duty scam on Wednesday.
The scam involves people calling citizens and representing themselves as sheriff's office officials. They threaten victims by saying a person has missed jury duty and must pay a fine or they will be arrested and jailed, according to a news release.
“It is shameful that individuals would abuse faith in the criminal justice system in order to take advantage of citizens, especially as we approach the holidays,” Sheriff Kerry Forestal said.
Forestal said it is not the first time people have attempted such a scam and the Marion County Sheriff's Office never contacts citizens over the phone seeking fines for missing jury duty.
Anyone who receives a phone call threatening punishment for missing jury duty should contact the Marion County Prosecutor's Office at 317-327-5600.
