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Warning: Bogus Emails on Jury Service May Lead to Fraud

Thursday, July 31, 2014

(Download Press Release)
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014
www.nmcourt.fed.us

WARNING: BOGUS EMAILS ON JURY SERVICE MAY LEAD TO FRAUD

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Citizens in various states across the U.S. are being targeted by emails
and threatened with prosecution for failing to comply with jury service in federal courts.
In the emails, the recipients are prompted to fill out a form which requires the entry of personal
identifiers (social security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, etc.). Threats of a fine
and jail time for shirking jury service are used to coerce the email recipients into providing this
information, potentially leading to identify theft and fraud. These emails are not from real court
officials.

Federal courts do not require anyone to provide any sensitive information in an unsolicited email.
Initial notifications of selection to serve jury duty and requests to complete jury duty qualification
questionnaires are always initiated by formal written correspondence through U.S. Mail, and
instructions are provided for the juror participant to complete their questionnaires on-line over a
secure connection.

Jury duty is a vital civic responsibility and should be taken seriously by all citizens. However, it is
a crime for anyone to falsely represent himself or herself as a federal court official. The federal
judiciary takes seriously such an offense.

Persons receiving such emails should not respond to the email or click any links in the email, and
should notify the District of New Mexico Clerk’s Office Jury Department at 505-348-2070.
Stay current with the United States Courts – District of New Mexico by visiting www.nmcourt.fed.us