"It's fraudulent:" U.S. Marshals warn jury duty scam has resurfaced in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE -- A warning about a familiar scheme is resurfacing once again in Milwaukee. U.S. Marshals say they are receiving phone calls about a jury duty scam. They say those behind it are trying a new method to get your money.

The individuals behind the scam are claiming to be U.S. Marshals, court officers or law enforcement officials wanting to collect a fine for failure to report for jury duty. They are using the names of actual federal judges and courthouse addresses to seem credible -- but it's a new position they created that's causing agents to immediately address the scam.

"Please leave your voice message after the tone," will be the voicemail you hear if you are returning a phone call to someone claiming to be with the U.S. Marshals, informing you of a fine.

Agents tell FOX6 News the voicemail is the first indication of a familiar scam.

"If you call our office, you get a switchboard and clearly identify us as the U.S. Marshals," said Investigator Doug Bachert, U.S. Marshals Service.

Bachert says they saw this scheme a few months ago in Milwaukee, and it soon became part of a nationwide scam.

Doug Bachert

Here's how it works: A caller will let you know you've missed jury duty and that you now owe a fine or face an arrest. To appear more credible, the scammer will provide badge numbers, names of actual federal judges and courthouse addresses.

"For one thing, we'll never call and say you will be arrested unless you wire us money," said Bachert.

Bachert says those behind this are trying something new this time around.

"The caller is indicating he is a lieutenant with the U.S. Marshals. We don't have the title in this agency, so that's another indication that it is fraudulent," Bachert said.

Bachert says another tactic is switching phone numbers frequently, making it harder for investigators to track them down. He says the callers may not even be in the area.

"We're obviously concerned for all the people that are getting these calls and not contacting us," said Bachert.

FOX6 News reached out to one of the numbers claiming to be with the U.S. Marshals more than once, but the same generic voicemail kept answering saying, "Please leave your message after the tone."

If you believe you were a victim of the jury duty scam, you are encouraged to report the incident to your local law enforcement department, or local U.S. Marshals or FBI office.

You can also call U.S. Marshals at their actual number at 414-297-3707.