Jury Duty Scam Warning Issued for West Michigan Residents

In recent years, one scam keeps resurfacing across West Michigan: fake jury duty calls. Authorities are once again urging residents to stay alert.

Early last year, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a statewide warning about jury duty scams. In November, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office reported an uptick in calls involving scammers impersonating law enforcement.

Now, another West Michigan sheriff’s office is sounding the alarm.

Jury Duty Scam Resurfaces in West Michigan

This time, the warning is coming from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, which says it has seen a recent increase in fraudulent phone calls targeting residents.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers are impersonating a deputy and telling victims they missed jury duty and now have an active warrant for their arrest. In some cases, callers have even used the specific name "David Jenkins," claiming to be a member of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office.

The calls are designed to sound urgent and intimidating. That's intentional.

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How the Scam Works

Victims are told they must act immediately to avoid arrest. The scammer then demands payment to “clear” the warrant, often requesting money through Bitcoin or electronic account transfers.

The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office says that is a major red flag and a clear sign the call is a scam. They remind residents that law enforcement agencies will never demand money for warrants or jury duty over the phone, especially paid in Bitcoin or gift cards.

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What to Do If You Get a Call Like This

If you receive a call claiming you missed jury duty:

Hang up immediately
Do not share personal or financial information
Do not trust phone numbers provided by the caller

Check the call by calling your local police or court using the numbers listed on their official websites.”

The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office is also asking residents to report information related to these scams. Tips can be submitted to Silent Observer at (877) 88-SILENT (74536) or through the Ottawa County Central Dispatch website.

A Reminder for West Michigan Residents

Jury duty scams continue to circulate because they rely on fear and urgency to catch people off guard. Remember to slow down, verify claims, and talk with friends or family members, especially those who may be more vulnerable to scam calls.