Crime & Safety

Jury Duty Scam Targets Oakland County Residents

"If you suspect you are being scammed, there is a very good chance you are," Sheriff Michael Bouchard warns.

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a phone scam that targets Oakland County residents by soliciting fraudulent funds to cover non-appearance jury duty fees.

Multiple complaints have come in from citizens receiving phone calls from suspects claiming to be Oakland County 6th Circuit Court or Oakland County Sheriff’s Office employees, Sheriff Michael Bouchard said in a news release

The suspects appear to be calling from a number with a 248 area code and claim that a warrant has been issued for the call taker’s arrest because they did not appear for jury duty. The suspects instructed the call taker to pay the fine with a pre-paid Green Dot Visa Card to clear the warrant.

Find out what's happening in Bloomfield-Bloomfield Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The suspects provided an alternate 248 area code number for the call taker to obtain verification. When this number was called for confirmation, the phone was answered “Warrants Unit” and claimed to be specific Sheriff’s Office employees which perpetuated the scam.

The Sheriff’s Office and the 6th Circuit Court advise that if anyone receives a call requesting money from a Court or Sheriff’s Office employee regarding fees for failing to appear for jury duty, they should immediately contact local law enforcement and under no circumstances make any payments.

Find out what's happening in Bloomfield-Bloomfield Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Anytime you receive an intimidating phone call from someone claiming to be in a position of authority and they are demanding money, always report the incident to local law enforcement,” Bouchard said. “Scam artists and unscrupulous persons looking to dupe honest people out of their hard earned dollars are always hard at work trying to trick honest people. 

"If you suspect you are being scammed, there is a very good chance you are. Trust your instincts and report suspicious behavior to your local authorities.”

Residents receiving these types of phone calls can contact their local law enforcement agency or the Sheriff’s Office at (248) 858-4911.

Questions regarding jury duty service can be directed to the Oakland County Jury Office at (248) 858-0029. Additional information regarding jury duty service is available on the Circuit Court web site.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.

More from Bloomfield-Bloomfield Hills