SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio — The Summit County Court of Common Pleas is warning the public of a resurfaced "jury service" scam that is targeting residents in the county.
According to Administrative Judge Kathryn Michael, scammers will call victims claiming to be a law enforcement official and will accuse the victim of not showing up for mandatory jury service. At some point in the phone call, the scammer will demand a payment for a "fine" under the threat of arrest.
“All citizens need to be aware of all types of scams, and should notify local law enforcement immediately. Our community needs to be reminded that no one should provide personal and financial information over the phone, if they are targeted,” said Judge Michael.
In a press release from the Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Judge Michael outlined what happens when a legitimate court summons has been missed by a citizen of the county.
"When a juror misses scheduled jury service, the Summit County Jury Commissioner’s office will send a letter asking the juror to contact their office to reschedule jury service. The Summit County Jury Commissioner’s office will never contact residents by phone regarding a missed jury service date. No law enforcement officer will ever contact residents by phone because of a missed jury service date. And, no law enforcement officer would ever ask for payment of any type for a missed jury service date."
For more information, you can contact the court's Public Information Officer & Community Relations Liaison Daniella Williams at 330-643-7840 or email at DWilliams@cpcourt.summitoh.net.