As the Superior Court Presiding Judge, and the County Clerk for Snohomish County, we want to alert local residents about jury duty scams that are becoming more prevalent in Washington state and across the country. We greatly value citizens’ willingness to serve on jury duty and are concerned that you could become victims of scam artists using the name of the court to steal your money.
Please be aware that citizens in several Washington counties and around the country have lost large sums of money in this scam. Here is how it usually happens: An individual calls or emails a person, claiming they have failed to appear for jury duty. They say that a warrant has been issued for the person’s arrest and/or that the sheriff is en route to arrest them. They demand payment, a credit card number, or a Social Security number. This is a scam. Do not fall for it. It you pay the money it is gone.
No one from the court system will ever ask for payment over the phone or by email. Court officials will not ask you to purchase a pre-paid card, or to provide cash or a check to pay for failure to appear for jury duty. Never give out personal information via phone or email. Please report any suspicious activity of this kind to the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement agency.
If you have questions about jury duty, please call the Snohomish County Clerk’s office at 425-388-3386.
Michael J. Downes
Superior Court Presiding Judge
Sonya Kraski
County Clerk
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