The Alameda County Superior Court is warning county residents about a jury duty scam currently being seen nationwide.
In the scam, a citizen is contacted by phone by a man that identifies himself as a lieutenant or sergeant with the sheriff's office, police department or constable's office.
The caller tells the citizen they failed to report for jury duty and they have been assessed a fine, usually ranging from $2,000 to $4,000.
The caller then says there is a warrant out for the citizen's arrest, and they must report to court.
The citizen is also told to obtain a prepaid money or debit card, to give the caller the number over the phone and that paying the fine will result in the warrant being dismissed.
Officials want to advise citizens that the Jury Services unit of the Alameda County Superior Court does not contact citizens by phone for payments of fines. The court typically sends a notice to the citizen before taking any action.
