Summit County, Ohio: Summit County Common Pleas Court Administrative Judge Amy Corrigall Jones announced today that Summit County citizens should be aware of a jury scam related to grand jury service. The Court is issuing this advisory to warn residents that individuals are making phone calls stating they are law enforcement and advising the individual that they missed grand jury duty and demanding payment of a fine over the phone or risk being arrested.

Law enforcement will not initiate telephone communication with residents about grand jury duty, nor require payment over the phone in regard to jury service. Notifications of jury duty service, including grand jury, are mailed to registered voters residing in Summit County.

Citizens are encouraged to protect themselves from becoming a victim of this scam. Summit County residents receiving a call regarding jury duty should never provide financial information, including bank account information and credit card numbers. If you receive such a phone call, it is recommended that you make a note of any caller identification information you can gather and then contact local law enforcement immediately.

“It’s important for citizens to be aware of scams and notify law enforcement immediately. More importantly, do not provide personal and financial information over the phone if you are targeted,” said Corrigall Jones.

If you have already provided confidential information to someone who identified himself or herself as a representative of law enforcement, you should take the necessary steps to protect your identity.