The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has reported a resurgence of identity thieves who pose as court officials placing telephone calls to potential victims requesting personal information. The caller states the individual has been issued a warrant for their arrest due to failure to answer a jury summons. Victims of these calls are asked to reveal their social security number, birth date and possibly a credit card number for “verification purposes.” When victims state they never received a summons, the caller tells them he/she will need some personal information “to clear up” the matter.  Being caught off guard and fearing arrest the information is given and the individual’s identity is, sadly, stolen.

A special agent in the Minneapolis field office who has heard these complaints states, “They get people saying, “Oh my gosh! I’m not a criminal. What’s going on?” That is when the scammer dangles a solution to clear up the problem. It places people on the defensive and then promises them a clean slate by giving out this information.

This fraud has been reported in 11 states. The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their websites, warning individuals about this scam. Suspicious calls should be reported to your local FBI field office. Senior citizens often fall prey to this type of scam.  As a rule, court officers generally correspond with prospective jurors by way of mail, and never ask for confidential information over the phone. Never give out personal information when you receive an unsolicited phone call.

Innocence Lost is an FBI program with approximately 24 task forces and support spread throughout the country.  Federal, state, and local law enforcement al work together in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices. These agencies work together to stop child prostitution right here in the United States. 

One of the main strengths of the Innocence Lost program is record keeping.  By maintaining an up-to-date computer database, law enforcement agencies can readily access over 17,000 records of both children and predators.  According to FBI Director, Robert S. Mueller, III, those working together within the program have recovered 433 children, convicted 308 criminals, and dismantled 32 criminal organizations since the program’s inception in 2003.

The NCMEC actively participates in the Innocence Lost program by running a CyberTipline and providing specialized training to law enforcement members.  The NCMEC website contains invaluable information that all parents should read that provides information on how to keep our children safe, and what to do should the unthinkable happen.  I encourage parents to review the information and become familiar with the contents, so that you will be better prepared to prevent or deal with any child-related crisis.