Carroll County, MD – Residents are being warned about a new wave of jury duty and law enforcement scams targeting Carroll County and surrounding areas this week.
According to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are calling citizens while pretending to be sheriff’s deputies or federal court officials. Victims are falsely told they missed jury duty and must pay fines to avoid arrest. Payments are often demanded through gift cards, cash apps, or cryptocurrency.
The U.S. Courts system emphasizes that federal courts never request sensitive personal information or payments by phone or email. Legitimate jury service notices are sent through U.S. mail, and court officials will never ask for confidential data, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Authorities are urging residents to hang up immediately if they receive such calls and to avoid sending money or personal information. Instead, citizens should report suspicious activity to the Clerk of Court’s office or call the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Duty Officer at 410-386-5900.
Community members are also reminded that falsely posing as a federal or court official is a crime, and federal agencies treat these offenses seriously. Officials encourage residents to share this warning, particularly with relatives and neighbors who may not use social media.
