Jury Duty Phone Scam Targets Prince George's County

Police are warning Prince George’s County residents about a scam that’s hit the area claiming they owe fines for failing to report for jury duty, according to Laurel Police.

A caller tells the victims they will be arrested if they don’t pay fines of $3,000 immediately using MoneyPak, a prepaid credit card that can be purchased locally. 

So far, no one in Laurel has been targeted, but the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office reports at least two victims, both of them are senior citizens. 

“Getting information out to club members, relatives, friends, and neighbors is our best defense against such criminals,” Sheriff Melvin High says.

This is the same as a scam reported in Arlington County, VA, earlier this year.

And in April, the Maryland Judiciary warned the public about a similar telephone scam that falsely claimed to be from Prince George’s County Circuit Court. It told residents they have been charged with contempt for not reporting for jury duty. The scammer then demanded payment over the phone using a pre-paid card.

Laurel Police issued a warning in April about scammers claiming to be from the IRS trying to collect money from residents. It was also happening in other parts of Prince George’s County.

You can report suspicious activity to the Laurel Police Department at 301-498-0092 or the Prince George’s County Public Safety Commission at 301-352-1200.