Summit County, OH – Residents are being warned to stay alert today after officials reported a surge in jury duty scam phone calls targeting people across Summit County.
According to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are calling residents and falsely claiming they missed jury duty and now face fines, arrest, or jail time unless immediate payment is made. Authorities say these calls are fraudulent and designed to pressure victims into sending money quickly.
Officials emphasized that Summit County government offices do not accept payment in gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. They also stressed that the county will not call residents about outstanding warrants and does not issue summons for missed jury duty over the phone.
In many cases, callers attempt to sound official, sometimes using real names of judges or law enforcement officers and spoofed phone numbers to appear legitimate. Victims are often instructed to stay on the line and told not to contact anyone else — a common red flag of scam activity.
The Sheriff’s Office advises anyone who receives a suspicious jury duty call to stop talking and hang up immediately. Residents are encouraged to verify the claim by contacting a trusted source, such as the Clerk of Courts or local law enforcement, using a publicly listed phone number. Any scam attempts should be reported to authorities.
Officials also urge residents to share this warning with friends and family, especially older adults who are often targeted in phone-based scams.
Anyone who believes they may have been contacted by a scammer or provided personal information is encouraged to contact the Summit County Sheriff’s Office and monitor their financial accounts closely.
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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