Local Warning: Jury Duty Scam Calls Are Hitting Bismarck/Mandan

Something fairly new in the world of people trying to scam your hard-earned money away from you

Sadly, such is the case in this world we live in; another scam is going around, designed with clever twists aimed at ripping off others. I just heard about this yesterday, and then it actually hit close to home.  A co-worker at our radio station had this happen to him. This scam routine is orchestrated through the phone, and if you think you are safe because you have caller ID, think again. This is happening more and more lately in Bismarck and Mandan.

( SEE ALSO: "4TH OF JULY FEVER STARTS EARLY HERE IN BISMARCK - HAPPY 250TH" )

Today's modern technology can help the scammer fool their victims 

One of the most basic rules of thumb is this: never agree to rush out and buy a Bitcoin, or money transfer, or gift card, and send it off to some unfamiliar address. These scammers will use any disguise they can think of, check it out, according to kfyrtv.com  "Multiple sheriff’s offices across are warning the public of an uptick in jury duty scam calls. Both Ward and Burleigh County posted about it on their social media." Here is where the scammers are slipping past you, if the call comes up NO CALLER ID, you can still see on your missed calls for example - "Cass County, ND". This when the person on the other line will identify themself as a deputy, claiming "You missed jury duty, and now there is a warrant out for your arrest."

The scammer hopes that YOU will panic, and try to erase the penalty by sending out money ASAP

"The sheriff’s offices said they never ask for money over the phone. hang up and call your local county sheriff's office" kfyrtv.com added - which is exactly what our co-worker did, and about 4-5 seconds into the conversation, he was told "It's a scam, it's happening more and more frequently" - Use common sense, and follow that basic rule I mentioned earlier.