Marshals Service Warns of Jury Duty Scam

TYLER — The U.S. Marshal’s Service met with media Wednesday to let East Texans know there is a scam going on. KETK reports that according to U.S. Marshal Robert Hobbs, “Citizens are being called by someone purporting to be a U.S. Marshal, a Chief U.S. Marshal, or a staff officer from a local sheriff’s office or other law enforcement agency. Citizens are then advised that they’ve failed to show up for jury duty or some other violation that a fine has been assessed against them.” They’re told by this fake official to buy a gift card to make payments. And they’re told if they don’t pay, there will be a warrant out for their arrest. Hobbs adds, “They’re given the names of local judges in order to give it some legitimacy.”

This happened to one local woman. Genie Terry of Tyler says the scammer called from a 903 number. She says she was scared to death she would be put in jail, but did nothing wrong. Hobbs adds, “These types of fraud are committed quite often and they move around quite a lot. They stay mobile. It makes it very difficult to catch them but we do have an investigation under way.” Hobbs says in the last week, there have been at least eight victims. some have even given money. He also notes, “They target elderly people often because they’re more easily frightened at times. They don’t want to be bothered so when they suggest this easy manner in which to make payment to avoid being arrested, they take advantage of that opportunity.” Officials say if you’re contacted by these scammers, call the Marshals service in Tyler or your local law enforcement.