Long Beach Police announced today the resurgence of the “Jury Duty” scam within the city and region, which involves a caller posing as a law enforcement official, informing the resident of an outstanding arrest warrant for failing to comply with jury service or summons.

The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) stated that the phone scam has targeted a dramatically growing number of residents and businesses throughout the community.

According to the complaint, the fraudulent criminal caller demands payment in lieu of arrest by directing the resident to purchase a pre-paid MoneyPak card, instructing the resident to call the number provided on the card and reveal the serial number on the pre-paid credit/debit card.

People who receive a call from a person claiming to be a law enforcement official, demanding payment with the pre-paid, re-loadable debit card to satisfy the fine, are encouraged to simply hang up.

Here are a few “red flags” and prevention tips to help minimize your risk of becoming a victim, courtesy of the LBPD:

  • Law enforcement agencies do not call residents concerning outstanding warrants issued for their arrest
  • Verify with the law enforcement agency, the name and telephone number of the purported law enforcement official who called
  • Superior courts will never ask for financial information such as bank accounts, credit card numbers or personal information
  • Never disclose to anyone over the telephone or online, your social security number, date of birth, account numbers or personal PIN number.
  • Do not respond to e-mails requesting you to update your account records, i.e. date of birth, social security number, telephone numbers, etc
  • If you should need to confirm your status as a juror, you may contact your respective County Superior Court at www.courts.ca.gov/juryservice.htm.

Other helpful links include:
Los Angeles County Superior Court 
California Courts-Jury Scam Alert
U.S. Courts-Scam Alert

For questions or concerns, contact the Long Bach Police Department’s Financial Crimes Detail at (562) 570-7330 or [email protected].