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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release on September 8, 2005
Contact: William J. Smith, (718) 556-7150
D.A. Donovan, County Clerk Fiala Warn Islanders of “Jury Duty” ID Theft Scam Spreading Across Region
***Officials Warn Island Residents not to Respond to Telephone Jury Duty Inquiries***
STATEN ISLAND, NY – Richmond County District Attorney Daniel
M. Donovan, Jr. and County Clerk Stephen J. Fiala today warned Staten
Islanders of a nationwide identity theft scam whose perpetrators target
victims by representing themselves as representatives of law enforcement
and/or court officials. The scam was first reported in the western United
States earlier this year and was reported in Pennsylvania last month.
As part of the scam, the perpetrator will call an individual claiming
to be a representative of court administration or another law enforcement
agency and claim that the potential victim has not responded to a mailed
jury duty notice. The perpetrator will then ask the victim for assorted
personal information to “verify their inquiry” or process
the notice. Some victims have unknowingly provided the identity thief
with their Social Security number, birth date or even credit card numbers.
“It is especially repugnant that these scammers would use the juror process, a fundamental of our justice system, to steal someone’s identity,” stated District Attorney Donovan. “I would encourage everyone to be extra vigilant in protecting their personal information, and to report any suspicious calls to the proper authorities.”
New York’s Constitution and statutes prescribe the rules for administering the jury system for the State. Potential jurors are notified by the Commissioner of Jurors which in New York City, falls under the jurisdiction of the County Clerk.
“Sadly we live in a society of declining moral values and standards,
where greed and criminal activity flourish if left unchecked,”
said Commissioner Fiala. “Identity theft is the fastest growing
crime in the United States, and the
crooks who perpetrate these crimes have been quite adept in their approach,
as evidenced by the “jury scam” concept. Everyone of us
can guard against the threat by being vigilant in protecting their own
personal information.
Avoid giving any personal information over the telephone. The County
Clerk’s Office does not call citizens seeking personal information.
If you receive such a call, hang up, and contact the authorities,”
concluded Fiala.
District Attorney Donovan added, “Identity Theft is a crime in
New York State and carries serious criminal
penalties, including jail time. The most serious of these crimes is
Identity Theft in the 1st degree, a class D felony,
which carries a maximum of 7 years in jail. My office will vigorously
prosecute anyone who preys on innocent victims in this fashion.”
Anyone who believes that they may have been victimized by this scam is urged to contact the NYPD, the District Attorney’s office or the state Attorney General, as well as the applicable credit and financial services which may be affected.
Tips to Avoid Becoming a Victim of the Jury Duty Scam
• Be skeptical of callers who threaten arrest for missing jury duty.
• Do not comply with any request to “verify information” such as a Social Security number.
• Do not agree to send the caller any written information for review.
• Hang up! Do not be afraid to be rude, even if the caller attempts to play on fear of prosecution.
• NEVER give out bank, credit card or Social Security information over the phone.
• Screen calls. Let the answering machine pick up calls from unknown callers.
-end-