Full Notification

🚨 SCAM ALERT: JURY DUTY PHONE SCAM 🚨

The Forest City Police Department has received reports of an individual identifying as "Sgt. Michael Cleveland" contacting residents. This person falsely claims you have missed jury duty and must pay a fine to avoid arrest. This is a scam.

Important Points:

• No Affiliation: The Forest City Police Department does not employ anyone named Michael Cleveland. This individual is not associated with our department.

• Our Procedures: We will never call citizens demanding payment over the phone for missed jury duty or any other offense. Official communications regarding jury duty are typically conducted through formal written notices, not phone calls.

  North Carolina Courts

   

• What to Do:

  • Do Not Engage: If you receive such a call, do not provide any personal information or make any payments.
  • Hang Up: Terminate the call immediately.
  • Report: Contact the Forest City Police Department at [insert non-emergency contact number] to report the incident.

Protect Yourself:

• Verify Information: If you're concerned about missing jury duty, contact the Clerk of Superior Court's office in Rutherford County directly to verify your status.

  North Carolina Courts

   

• Be Skeptical: Be cautious of unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to be law enforcement or court officials, especially if they demand immediate payment. Legitimate agencies will not pressure you in this manner.

  Consumer Advice

   

Stay Informed:

Jury duty scams have been reported across various regions, including North Carolina. Scammers often use threats of arrest to intimidate victims into paying fines. It's crucial to stay vigilant and informed about such tactics.

Community Safety:

Your safety and security are our top priorities. We are actively investigating this scam and working to identify the individual responsible. By staying alert and following these guidelines, you can help protect yourself and others from falling victim to such fraudulent schemes.

Contact Us:

If you have any information regarding this scam or have been contacted by someone claiming to be "Sgt. Michael Cleveland," please reach out to the Forest City Police Department immediately. Your assistance is invaluable in helping us address this issue.

Stay safe, Forest City.