lawyer tells how she nearly fell for jury duty scam, aba journal

by Elyssa Wintheiser 5 min read

Is it a scam to call you for jury duty?

Feb 14, 2008 · Jury Duty Scam May Put Postal Worker in Prison. When a postal worker in Washington, D.C., had to serve on a jury in an extended federal trial, the government paid him his usual salary. But there ...

How much do jury duty scammers cost victims in Georgia?

Jan 31, 2022 · She was recently summoned for jury duty in the county where we live (and where I take the majority of my cases). Even though I expounded on how she’d never be empaneled since prosecutors would likely kick her off when they found out her husband was a criminal defense attorney, she was still excited.

What happens if you fail to appear for jury duty?

The jury duty scam that nearly tricked a law professor. A recent scam claims you missed jury duty, now you have to pay or you're going to jail. You might think you won't fall for this, but a law professor almost did. The scammer identified himself as a Lieutenant Steven Harris with the Baltimore County Sheriff's office.

How do I find out if I have a jury duty problem?

Since she’d had a number of family members in trouble with the law over the years, she decided to pick up. Turns out that she was the one in trouble. The officer on the phone told her she had missed jury duty and there were warrants out for her immediate arrest. Kaj didn’t believe him. “I had just served on a jury three months before.

Who is Nicholas Allen?

And this past June, yet another inmate at Autry, Nicholas Allen, pleaded guilty to committing fraud using the same jury scam. He conducted his crimes in 2017, well after the bust and guilty pleas of his fellow inmates.

Where was Dwight Garrison in prison?

Contraband cellphones used in scheme. "Captain Dwight Garrison” was actually sitting 2,200 miles away in a jail cell at Autry State Prison, a medium-security facility in Pelham, Georgia.

Who is Reginald Perkins?

Reginald Perkins, who has been in and out of prison since he was 18, mostly on drug charges, was one of the guys recruited to join the scam.

Did Kaj Miller get a refund?

Unlike most victims, she was able to get a refund from her bank after some initial debate. But that was not the end of the matter for Kaj. About two years later, she was contacted by FBI agents, who asked if she would fly to Atlanta to testify against two of the scammers. She gladly cooperated.

How can Jury Duty Scams be Prevented?

The main way to prevent jury duty scams is to not divulge your private information over the phone. Although there may be penalties if you miss jury duty or fail to report for jury duty, you generally won’t be required to provide sensitive information over the phone.

Are There any Legal Penalties for Jury Duty Scams?

Anyone caught participating in a juror scam or jury duty scam may face heavy legal consequences. They will likely face criminal charges, which can lead to jail time and/or criminal fines. Impersonating a federal official or a court official is also an offense and can lead to further criminal consequences.

Should I Hire a Lawyer if I Need Assistance with Jury Duty Scam Issues?

Jury duty scams can cost victims thousands of dollars and can also lead to serious legal penalties for the perpetrators. It may be in your best interests to hire a criminal defense lawyer in your area if you have any claims or issues regarding a jury duty scam.

What happens if you miss jury duty?

The person contacting you demands personal or financial information or payment by wire, gift card or reloadable debit card. Do's.

What is an imposter scam?

In this long-running form of government impostor scam, crooks posing as court or law enforcement officials, such as a U.S. marshal or sheriff’s officer, claim you’ve failed to appear for jury duty and face imminent arrest.