Phone scam demands jury duty fine, threatens arrest

The Havre Police Department has issued a release warning people of a scam where the confidence artists claim to be police officers.

The release said scammers are calling people — from numbers listed as with a 406 area code — and telling them a warrant has been issued for their arrest for missing jury duty. The scammers tell the people they must pay a fine or they will be arrested, and give instructions on where to send the money, saying that they might be able to get the money back after going to court.

In actuality, people who miss jury duty are issued a summons to answer the charge in court. If the people who are summoned do not appear on the date or contact the court, then an arrest warrant might be issued.

“If this occurs, then our officers may pay you a visit,” the Havre police press release said.

The release said calling people to tell them to send fines to avoid being arrested for missing jury duty is not a common practice or procedure of the department.

People with questions can call the Havre Police Department at 265-4361.