Salem, MA – Residents across Essex County are being warned about a fast-moving phone scam today involving fake jury duty warrants that has already cost two victims more than $2,000, according to the Essex County Sheriff’s Department.
According to the department, scammers are calling residents while spoofing the phone number of the Salem Civil Process Office, making the call appear legitimate. The caller allegedly claims the resident has an outstanding warrant for failing to appear for jury duty and must pay a “fine” immediately to avoid arrest.
The sheriff’s office said the scammers instruct victims to purchase a reloadable prepaid credit card—claiming it is the only payment method the office accepts. Authorities emphasized that this is false. The Essex County Sheriff’s Office and the Civil Process Division never request payments by phone and never require prepaid cards for any reason.
Two individuals recently came into the Salem office believing they had settled legitimate fines, only to discover they had been scammed—one losing $700 and another $1,500.
Officials urge anyone who receives one of these calls to hang up immediately and report the incident. Residents who believe they’ve been targeted or scammed are encouraged to contact the Salem Police Department at (978) 744-1212.
Authorities are asking the community to share the warning to prevent further losses as scammers continue to target vulnerable individuals.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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