Monday, March 4, 2024

The Metropolitan Police Department is warning the public of a jury duty phone scam

Phone scammers impersonate members of MPD and attempt to extort people by claiming an arrest warrant has been issued against them for not appearing at a jury duty summons. The scammer then asks for money to remove the warrant.

The Metropolitan Police Department will never solicit anyone for monetary funds, bank information, or social security numbers.

If you happen to receive unsolicited phone calls similar in nature:

• Don’t feel pressured to act. Scammers may have some public information about you (like your name and address), but that does not mean they are legitimate. Verify by contacting the appropriate agency directly using customer service info on their public websites.

• MPD will never demand payment by phone. Do not share your credit card number, personal information, or other financial information. Do not wire transfer money or transfer funds to anyone you do not know.

• Share what you know with others. By telling your friends and family members about the scam, you can help protect your community.

If you have questions about your jury summons, contact the D.C. Court Juror Office at (202) 879-4604 or by email at jurorhelp@dcsc.gov

Please visit the DC Courts Active Warrant List to inquire if you have an active D.C. Court arrest warrant, or contact the D.C. Courts directly at (202) 879-1010 

If you have been a victim of this scam in the District of Columbia, please contact the Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit at (202) 727-4159 or mpd.fraud-unit@dc.gov.