The state judicial branch is warning of nationwide jury-related scams that have been hitting Connecticut.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, three people in Connecticut have reportedly received calls from a man identifying himself as "Lt. Steve Smith" with "Badge number 8031" from the U.S. District Court in Bridgeport.
The man reportedly referred to a false case number, told the residents they had failed to show up for jury selection and said there was a warrant out for the residents' arrest.
He then told them bond had been set but "the matter would be resolved" if the victims gave him four green dot pre-paid $500 Visa cards, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. One victim bought a card and gave the number to the scammer.
According to the judicial branch Web site, the Jury Administration will never call or email potential jurors. The U.S. Attorney's Office warns residents not to provide any personal information or money over the phone.
Anyone who receives a call or email claiming to be from the Jury Administration should not respond and should report the scam to the FBI in New Haven at 203-777-6311 or 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).
"Identity thieves and scammers defrauding the public will be vigorously prosecuted when identified," said U.S. Attorney Dierdre M. Daly, in a statement on Friday.
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You can call the Jury Administration for more information at 1-800-842-8175.
