For its Fraud Friday focus this week, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department warns residents not to fall for the “jury duty scam.”

Here’s the story from the department’s social media:

“Criminals will do just about anything to get your money. These fraudsters like to hide behind fake names and titles. They are great at making you believe they work in law enforcement or for the government by pretending to be court officers. They will call and accuse you by saying, ‘You failed to report for Jury Duty.’

“Hundreds of innocent victims get calls and get scammed out of large amounts of money over this type of fraud. These con artists will call and tell you they are employed by the court, they will sound official and claim that an arrest warrant was issued unless you pay them a significant amount.

“They will demand that you pay them a substantial amount immediately. They will tell you to pay by credit card or have you purchase prepaid cards instead to complete the payment.

“Now, if you resist, these criminals will persist in telling you the police are on their way to your home, to make an immediate arrest.

“They can use official-looking seals from the court, and will use their bureaucratic language to dupe you into believing they work for the court.

“If you receive an email with the seal from the court, they will inform you to make an immediate payment online or be punished.

Follow These Jury Duty Guidelines
“• Be aware that no law enforcement or court official will ever call you to pay a fine for a non-appearance in court. Jurors who don’t show up are sent a letter and must appear before a judge in court.

“• Do not open unsolicited emails

“• You could get an automated phone call from the LA County Superior Court reminding people to appear for jury duty, but the call will never ask for personal information.

“• You can contact the Los Angeles County’s Juror Services at 800-778-5879 if you are unsure you have been summoned for jury duty or get more information at http://www.lacourt.org/division/jury/Jury.aspx.”