HUNTSVILLE — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a telephone scam in which individuals are falsely told they have missed federal jury duty and must take immediate action to avoid legal consequences.
Scammers are spoofing the Madison County Jail’s phone number (256-519-4800) and falsely identifying themselves as “Deputy Jason Perry” from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.
Victims are told they failed to appear for federal jury duty on March 21 at the Hugo L. Black Courthouse in Birmingham and must pay a fine or face arrest.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office and any other law enforcement agency do not call residents demanding payment, requesting financial information, or issuing arrest threats related to jury duty.
“We urge residents to be cautious and aware of this scam,” said Sheriff Kevin Turner. “Law enforcement agencies do not operate this way, and no legitimate jury duty process involves phone calls demanding payment.
“If you receive one of these calls, do not engage, hang up and report it immediately.”
How to protect yourself:
- Hang up immediately if you receive such a call.
- Do not provide personal information such as Social Security numbers, banking details, or credit card information.
- Verify any official jury duty notifications by contacting the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama at (256) 534-6495.
- Report scam calls to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at (256-532-3416) or the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov.
For further information, contact the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at 256-722-7181.
