Phone Scam: U.S. Marshals Are Not Calling You For Money

TAMPA, FL — U.S. Marshals are warning that scammers are trying to scam people over the phone. Here'x what you need to know to stay ahead of the con artists.

First, many of the scammers claim to be U.S. Marshal Service members and say they are calling about missed jury duty service. Under threat of potential arrest, they try to solicit fine payments.

"The U.S. Marshals Service does not call anyone to arrange payment of fines over the phone for failure to appear for jury duty or any other infraction," the service notes in a press release.

Victims can report any suspected fans to the U.S. Marshals.

Another scam aims to solicit a fee from people in exchange for receiving a Publishers Clearing House prize.

The Marshals note that scammers can use real judges' names, badge numbers and courthouse addresses. They can also fake their caller ID to seem more official.

Generally, people should avoid giving out any personal information over the phone unless they are certain they know who they are talking to.

The Marshals summarized their advice for avoiding scams as follows:

• U.S. Marshals will never seek payment of fines via the telephone for individuals who missed jury duty or have outstanding arrest warrants.
• U.S. Marshals will never ask for credit/debit card/gift card numbers, wire transfers, or bank routing numbers for any purpose.
• Don't divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers.
• Report scam phone calls to your local U.S. Marshals Service office.

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