The Santa Clara County Superior Court Issues Urgent Warning Regarding Jury Scams

SAN JOSÉ, California (December 4, 2024):  The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara is issuing a critical public advisory regarding an increase in jury-related scams that are currently circulating across the county. Scammers are adopting sophisticated tactics, presenting themselves as representatives of government agencies and using manipulated images of official locations to deceive unsuspecting individuals.

In these scams, perpetrators often employ persuasive techniques, claiming to be court officials or law enforcement officers. They have been known to provide fake badge numbers and utilize photoshopped images to create an illusion of authenticity. One unfortunate consequence of these tactics is that individuals may genuinely believe they have missed a court appearance and owe money as a result.

The Santa Clara County Superior Court urges the public to exercise extreme caution and vigilance when receiving unsolicited calls or messages related to jury and grand jury service. To protect yourself from falling victim to these scams, please be aware of the following key points:

1. Verification of Identity:  Do not provide any personal or financial information to individuals claiming to be court officials or law enforcement officers over the phone. Official court personnel will never request sensitive information in this manner.

2. Immediate Action:  If you receive any communication requesting personal information, contact the fraud unit of your local police department immediately. Additionally, reach out to the jury office of your local court to report the incident and seek guidance.

3. Official Contact:  While official court personnel may contact you by telephone, they will never ask for personal information. If in doubt, hang up and independently verify the legitimacy of the call by contacting the court directly.

In coordination with the California Judiciary, the Santa Clara County Superior Court encourages the public to stay informed and share this information with friends and family to prevent further incidents.

If you receive communication from someone requesting your personal information, please contact the fraud unit of your local police department immediately and the County of Santa Clara’s jury office:  ssjuryinfo@scscourt.org.