Park City Police Department warns residents of new ‘jury duty scam’

Park City Police Department. Photo: Michele Roepke

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City Police Department (PCPD) is warning residents of a new “jury duty scam” that has become more prevalent in Utah.

The scam occurs when con artists masquerading as police officers contact individuals over the phone and make threatening claims in order to extort money.

The PCPD has provided the following tips to help you stay informed and protect yourself:

1. Recognize the scam: If someone claiming to be a U.S. Marshal or law enforcement officer contacts you, threatening arrest for missing jury duty, it’s a scam.

2. Avoid prosecution: Scammers insist that you can evade charges by paying an immediate fine. They demand payment through gift cards, reloadable credit cards, or wire transfers.

3. Phone threats are false: No legitimate government entity would ever threaten you with arrest over the phone.

4. Fraudulent credentials: These scammers often present counterfeit credentials, including fake badge numbers.

5. Beware of spoofed numbers: Don’t rely on caller ID alone, as scammers manipulate phone numbers to appear legitimate.

Stay vigilant. If you think you have been a victim of this or any other scam that is impersonating the government, contact PCPD dispatch at (435)645-5500. For more information, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website.