BOWLING GREEN — The Wood County Court of Common Pleas has reported a surge in fraudulent phone calls targeting county residents.

According to officials, scammers are attempting to convince people they missed jury duty and must make immediate payments to avoid legal penalties.

“These callers claim to be court officials, using the names of our elected judges and fabricated case numbers in an effort to defraud citizens,” said court Administrator Brandy Hartman. “If you receive a suspicious call asking for payment, hang up and report it to the proper authorities.”

Officials stressed the court would never request payment over the phone for missed jury duty. Additionally, individuals summoned for jury duty in Wood County would not be provided with case numbers or directed to any location outside of the courthouse.

People who believe they have been contacted by a scammer are asked to report the incident to the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 419-354-9001. 

Anyone receiving a jury summons or other jury communications can verify its legitimacy by contacting the Wood County Jury Office at 419-354-9620.

First Published September 24, 2024, 2:20 p.m.