The FBI is providing a warning to the public against an ongoing scheme involving jury service. The public needs to be aware that individuals identifying themselves as U.S. court employees have been calling 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 threatened with fines.

The judicial system does not contact jurors by phone and ask for personal information such as 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 call is an attempt to get personal information - like your name and Social Security number -- potentially to apply for credit or credit cards or other loans in your name. It is an attempt to defraud you.

If you have already been contacted and have given out personal information, monitor your account statements and credit reports, and contact your the local FBI office, (312) 431-1333. For further information, review the warnings posted on the U.S. Courts Web site at www.uscourts.gov, "Newsroom" news article, "Warning: Bogus Phone Calls on Jury Service May lead to Fraud."