Residents warned of jury duty scam
The state court administrator has urged residents across Pennsylvania to be wary of prank phone calls and text messages concerning jury duty.
Zygmont A. Pines indicated county court administrators have reported instances where residents say they’ve received a phone call or text message from a family member or friend who has said their name was in the newspaper for not appearing for jury duty.
The call directs the person to a phone number where a recorded message says they could face a $500 fine or a 30-day jail sentence because they missed jury duty. Then, the message ends by saying the call is a joke — and that the number ought to be forwarded to others to continue the joke.
Karen Kuhn, Fayette County’s court administrator, said her office has received a few calls from people who were concerned about missing jury duty — and then realized that the information was a hoax.
“If someone has a question regarding a jury service call, they can contact my office at 724-430-1230,” Kuhn said.
Audrey Szoyka, court administrator in Greene County, said her office has received no calls about the hoax. The number for the Greene County office is 724-852-5237.
“This prank is causing confusion and anxiety and has resulted in disruptions and undue work for court employees, which translates to a waste of tax dollars,” Pines said. “Please don’t forward these messages if you receive one. Our focus needs to be on providing the efficient administration of justice for the commonwealth and its citizens.”
Pines also urged anyone with questions to call their county’s court administrator. A complete listing of court administrators is available on the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web site at: http://www.pacourts.us/T/CommonPleas/DCAs.htm.