We have been advised that a new identity theft scam has emerged

The scam involves a fraudster posing as a local court official and contacts the victims by telephone.  The fraudster informs the victim they failed to report for jury duty and that a warrant has been placed for their arrest.  The fraudster then asks for the victim’s social security number, date of birth for verification, and/or credit card, bank account to pay the alleged fines.                                                    

If you receive one of these calls, do not provide them with any personal information since court officials, government agencies and legitimate businesses would not ask for sensitive, personal or financial information over the phone.  Remember, these scams work because either a person is bullied into providing the information or they exploit your generosity.  Listen to your instincts if something does not sound right then it probably is not.