Federal courts are warning against juror scams that claim people missed jury duty and they must pay a $400 fine or be thrown in jail.
The schemes mostly have appeared in New Mexico and other western states, but scams tend to travel. Marylanders should be on the lookout.
According to federal courts, callers claiming to be court employees accuse people of failing to show up for jury duty and demand payment of a fine. They ask for sensitive information, such as Social Security and credit card numbers.
The courts said they mostly communicate with people via U.S. mail, and they never ask for Social Security number or credit card numbers over the phone.
People who receive suspicious calls are advised to contact the clerk's office nearest them.