Kenosha Reporter

Kenosha County residents are being cautioned about a telephone scam concerning jury duty, according to the County Clerk of Courts, Rebecca Matoska-Mentink. The office has been alerted by several individuals who reported receiving calls claiming they missed jury service and must pay a fine due to an alleged warrant.

Matoska-Mentink emphasized that these calls are fraudulent and should be disregarded. She stated, "Absent a court hearing and a finding of contempt by a Judge, the Circuit Court could never demand immediate payment of a fine regarding jury duty." She clarified that in Wisconsin, official communications related to jury duty are sent via first-class mail rather than phone calls from court officials or law enforcement.

The scam typically involves evening calls when court offices are closed, which Matoska-Mentink highlighted as suspicious. Additionally, caller ID may be manipulated to show local numbers or businesses, making the scam appear credible.

For those uncertain about such calls' authenticity, Matoska-Mentink advised hanging up and contacting her office at 262-653-2664 for verification.

She explained that legitimate jury service notifications begin with a questionnaire sent through U.S. mail followed by a summons. If potential jurors provide email addresses or cell numbers in their responses, they might receive text reminders and email notifications closer to the summons date. However, non-compliance results in a judge's hearing summons rather than phone threats.