Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office warns of jury duty scam
Law enforcement agencies in Cumberland County have been fielding reports of a jury duty scam.
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office says people have reported a scam in which the scammer claims to be a lieutenant for the sheriff’s office and says the target has missed or is scheduled to report for jury duty. The scammer may threaten the target with penalties, such as fines, or otherwise solicit payments or sensitive information.
“The Cumberland County Sheriff and other law enforcement agencies are NOT responsible for the selection, scheduling, or appearances for those selected for Jury Duty,” the sheriff’s office said in a social media post Tuesday.
The sheriff’s office said multiple law enforcement agencies in the county, including the Portland Police Department, also have received reports of the scam.
The sheriff’s office advises anyone who is “threatened with arrest, fine, or other sanction” in a call, text or social media message regarding jury duty to “abruptly hang up.”
“In no case should anyone ever divulge private or sensitive personal data, follow the scammers’ instructions to transfer funds, gift cards, or any other type of monetary remuneration to avoid sanctions,” the office said in its post.
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Tagged: Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, public service, scams
Drew is the night reporter for the Portland Press Herald. He previously covered South Portland, Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth for the Sentry, Leader and Southern Forecaster. Though he is from Massachusetts,. More by Drew Johnson
