Berrien County Trial Court warns of jury service scam

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. -- The Berrien County Trial Court said on Tuesday evening that it has received reports of a telephone scam involving jury service.

According to court officials, citizens are contacted by phone, often from what appears to be a local number and the caller identifies himself or herself as a local law enforcement official and informs the citizen that they failed to appear for jury service.

"The caller may even reference fictitious case numbers or the names of local officials, possibly including judges during the call," court officials said. "The caller then informs the citizen that he or she must pay a fine over the phone or using a web payment platform (ex. PayPal or Zelle), or risk being arrested."

The court says these communications are not coming from the Berrien County Trial Court and that the court communicates with citizens on all jury-related matters by US Mail.

If you believe you have been targeted by this or any other jury-related scam, please contact the jury office at [email protected] or (269) 983-7111 x8347.