Orange County Officials Warn Residents About Jury Duty Scam Calls

By Yisroel R.

Orange County officials are warning residents about ongoing jury duty scam calls in which individuals falsely claim to represent the court and demand immediate payment for missing jury service.

According to authorities, scammers have been contacting residents by phone, email, and text message, threatening arrest, fines, or other penalties if payment is not made. Officials say these claims are completely false and are designed to pressure victims into acting quickly.

Orange County Commissioner of Jurors Molly O’Donnell said her office will never call, email, or text anyone demanding payment of any kind. She emphasized that official jury duty information is provided only through the New York State Unified Court System at nyjuror.gov and warned residents not to share personal or financial information with unsolicited callers.

Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta said the scam calls are criminal attempts to exploit the public and undermine confidence in the justice system. He urged residents not to engage with the callers and to report any suspicious activity so authorities can investigate and prevent others from becoming victims.

Officials stressed that residents should never send money, gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency in response to jury duty-related calls, and should not provide Social Security numbers, bank information, or credit card details.

Residents who receive a call demanding payment related to jury service are advised to hang up immediately, verify jury information only through nyjuror.gov, and report the incident to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with questions about legitimate jury service may contact the Orange County Commissioner of Jurors Office at 845-476-3600 or by email at [email protected]. Non-emergency suspicious activity can be reported to the Sheriff’s Office at 845-291-7929.

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