South Dakota courts warn public about jury duty scam

PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) is warning the public about a jury duty scam.

According to UJS, scammers pose as law enforcement and contact individuals through email or phone. They falsely claim that the individual has missed jury duty, owes fines and will be arrested if they don’t pay.

The scammers pressure the individual into providing personal information and that they must make immediate payments to avoid arrest.

Failure to report for jury duty can result in fines but the courts will never call or email people to demand money. Jury duty notices are sent by mail only. The courts do not accept payment of gift cards, pre-paid cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency deposits.

UJS warns the public that if you receive a jury duty related call or email, do not give personal information and do not send funds of any type.

If anyone receives a jury duty scam phone or email, report it to the Consumer Protection Division of the South Dakota Office of the Attorney General at 1-800-300-1986 or email: consumerhelp@state.sd.us .

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