Warning: Jury Duty Scam
Apparently, this 2005 scam is on the rise again, both via email and telephone...
An FBI statement describes the jury duty scam as follows:
The public needs to be aware that individuals identifying themselves as U.S. court employees have been telephonically contacting citizens and advising them that they have been selected for jury duty. These individuals ask to verify names and Social Security numbers, then ask for credit card numbers. If the request is refused, citizens are then threatened with fines.
The judicial system does not contact people telephonically and ask for personal information such as your Social Security number, date of birth or credit card numbers. If you receive one of these phone calls, do not provide any personal or confidential information to these individuals. This is an attempt to steal or to use your identity by obtaining your name, Social Security number and potentially to apply for credit or credit cards or other loans in your name. It is an attempt to defraud you.
If you receive such a call, hang up. If you've already been victimized in this fashion and fear you may have given out personal information to criminals, contact your local FBI field office immediately.