United States Attorney Cunha Advises Rhode Islanders to be Wary of Scammers Alleging Missed Jury Duty and Demand for Payment of Fines

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island has been made aware of an ongoing scam in which individuals receive communications instructing them to call a number claiming to be the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island.  Callers are advised that they have missed jury duty and must pay a fine immediately to avoid arrest or other consequences.  Individuals have been asked to withdraw money and transfer it in accordance with instructions given over the phone, in some cases by first converting it into cryptocurrency.

If you receive a request of this kind - DO NOT SEND MONEY.  These communications are fraudulent.  The United States District Court will never contact individuals seeking payments for missed jury service.

Anyone receiving communications of this nature should contact their local police department or contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov

 If you have questions regarding jury service, you can contact the District Court Clerk’s Office at (401) 752-7200.

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