Missoula Scam Alert: Beware Of This Phone Call

A month and a half ago, I received my summons for jury duty in the mail. I followed the instructions from the letter. I went online and filled out the proper forms acknowledging my jury duty. For those that don't know, after you fill out the forms you can check on the status of the trial as the date gets closer. Unlike other court notifications, the court doesn't contact you to let you know about the status of the trial. It is your responsibility to check on the status yourself.

Trial Was "Vacated"

Two days before the trial for my jury duty. I checked on the status and the trial was listed as "vacated", which meant I didn't have to show up for jury duty. In the back of my mind, I was a little concerned that I hadn't followed the instructions correctly. I have heard stories that people could get into trouble if they don't show up when called for jury duty.

This Scam Targets People Like Me

When I recently saw there was a scam going around regarding jury duty, I was interested. The Missoula County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a person making phone calls claiming to be "a very angry Lt. Kennedy, (406) 313-8036, badge #1160A". They are claiming that the person has missed jury duty and they "need to act now", and also claim that the U.S. Marshalls are after the person too. This is a scam.

The best thing to do is disconnect the call. Given my recent jury duty experience, I'm particularly wary of this scam. I feel like I could have easily fallen for a scam like this. Please be safe out there and be aware of all the ways that people are trying to get your hard-earned money away from you.