Officials warn Indy residents of jury duty scam

County officials are warning residents to be on the lookout for an over the phone scam where callers ask for large sums of money to make up for missed jury duty.

A consumer alert issued Tuesday by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office says that local authorities have been receiving complaints regarding phone calls requesting payment to avoid arrest for failure to appear for jury or grand jury duty.

During the call, the caller warns that an arrest warrant will be issued if payment is not made using a gift card or other prepaid card, officials said.

“This jury duty scam is awfully offensive,” Marion County Sheriff John Layton said in a statement. “These criminals are preying on the public’s trust in our institutions of justice and public safety. Protect your friends and loved ones by warning them about this terrible jury duty scam today.”

On Sunday night, a Johnson County couple targeted by scammers managed to avoid being swindled. According to a police report, a caller identifying himself as a lieutenant with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office called the couple and began leaving a message about handling a “courthouse matter.”

When the call was placed, the number “1-911” appeared on the couple’s caller ID, the police report said. The couple picked up the phone during the message, and the caller told them that a warrant had been issued for the husband for failure to appear for jury duty.

The caller then said that he could “lift the warrant” by making a payment of $2,000, the police report said. The couple ended the call and immediately called the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department.

The couple told responding deputies that the scam call was well scripted and that the caller was convincing.

“The Sheriff's Office will not call your residence if you have a warrant for your arrest,” said an alert issued by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. “The courts would not conduct business in this manner. Do not engage in any prolonged communications with these callers. Hang up immediately and notify your local law enforcement so that we can warn our residents.”

Call Star reporter Justin L. Mack at (317) 444-6138. Follow him on Twitter:@justinlmack.