Brown County residents warned of jury duty scam

GREEN BAY, WI – (WGBW & WISS) – The Brown County Clerk of Court’s office issues a warning that scammers posing as law enforcement officers are calling jurors claiming the victim failed to appear for jury duty and must now either turn themselves into the Brown County Sheriff’s office for arrest or send payment through a gift card.

John A Vander Leest, Brown County Clerk of Courts, said in a press release that Jurors will never be asked to submit payment for missing jury duty.

“There is no situation where it would be necessary for jurors to send cash, gift cards, or Bitcoin for missing jury service,” says Vander Leest. “These are complete scams, and I urge you to not fall for it. Please talk to your family members about this scam so they don’t fall victim to it. I’ve had multiple calls from victims who have paid $500 or more to the scammers.”

Officials said that scammers are very convincing and create a false sense of urgency to follow their instructions. Vander Leest says potential jurors are mailed a summons and a juror handbook that provides specific instructions.  Potential jurors should not deviate from those instructions.

Officials ask that if you’ve been affected by the scam to call your local police department.