Bellaire area residents are being warned that identity thieves are making phone calls in which they impersonate representatives from the Harris County District Clerk’s Office in an attempt to gain Social Security numbers and other personal information.
The scam artists are telling residents they are calling because the call recipient failed to report for jury duty. The caller then demands personal information to rectify the alleged failure to report.
Some of the calls have reportedly included threats.
Harris County District Clerk Chris Daniel said his staff never makes such calls.
“We have received calls in the past regarding this scheme, and we want to remind citizens to never give out any personal information on the telephone,” Daniel said. “Our office advocates protecting the privacy of our citizens and our jury room staff will never contact prospective jurors asking for Social Security numbers or any sensitive information.”
Daniel also posted a warning on the district clerk’s website at www.hcdistrictclerk.com.
“Identity thieves have contacted Harris County residents and threatened them for failing to report for jury service. The thieves are seeking personal information,” the warning noted. “The local courts and jury assembly room staff will never call you or e-mail you and ask for Social Security numbers, credit card numbers or other sensitive information. Do not give out such information to anyone claiming to be with the judicial system who calls or e-mails you.”
Daniel said anyone having questions about a call from his office or about jury service can call the Harris County Information Center at 713-755-6392 or the District Clerk Call Center at 713-755-7300.
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