Franklin, IN – Johnson County residents are being warned about a surge in jury duty scam phone calls reported this week, according to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said scammers are targeting residents by claiming they missed jury duty, then demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest. These fraudulent calls reportedly use real names, fake badge numbers, and spoofed phone numbers to appear legitimate, often employing urgent and intimidating language.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, courts will never contact residents by phone to request payments or relay sensitive information. Instead, official jury duty notifications are sent through the mail.
Deputies urged the public not to provide money, bank account details, or personal information to these callers. Anyone receiving such a call is advised to hang up immediately, avoid pressing any links or call-back numbers, and report the incident if necessary.
The scam has been reported across Indiana and is part of a larger trend targeting vulnerable residents with threats of arrest to pressure quick compliance. Local law enforcement stressed that ignoring these calls is the safest course of action, as legitimate government agencies will never demand payments in this manner.
Officials are asking residents to share this warning with family and friends, particularly older individuals who may be more vulnerable to scam tactics.
“Please hang up and do not engage,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in its advisory. “Our courts will never ask for payment over the phone.”
Residents concerned about jury duty obligations are encouraged to contact the Johnson County Clerk’s Office directly for verification.
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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