UJS Warns Public About Jury Duty Scam in Central South Dakota

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: April 3, 2025
Contact:Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us, 605.773.2031

UJS Warns Public About Jury Duty Scam in Central South Dakota

PIERRE, S.D.- The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) is warning the public about a jury duty scam targeting people in central South Dakota.

UJS has been informed that the Stanley County Sheriff's Office received more than 30 reports today regarding suspicious phone calls. The callers falsely claim that the recipient missed federal jury duty and that a $2,000 warrant has been issued for their arrest. The scammers are instructing individuals to visit a local convenience store and send money using Bitcoin. One person reported losing $4,000.

The scam calls are originating from a variety of phone numbers, with the perpetrators leaving callback numbers and falsely claiming to be the Stanley County Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff. In at least one instance, a scam email was reported that included the official Stanley County Sheriff's Office logo in an attempt to appear legitimate.

If someone receives such a suspicious call or email, they should not provide any personal information or payment and should hang up. South Dakota courts do not call prospective jurors and ask for money or personal identifying information over the telephone.

Here are some tips to avoid becoming the victim of this type of scam:

• Always be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls.

• Never give money or personal information to someone with whom you don't have ties and did not initiate contact.

• Trust your instincts. If an unknown caller pressures you or says things that don't sound right, hang up.

• If concerns remain about the caller's claims, verify the information with the appropriate law enforcement agency or court officials.

For more information about state jury duty in South Dakota, visit https://ujsjurors.sd.gov/. For more information about federal jury duty in South Dakota, https://www.sdd.uscourts.gov/.

-30-

About South Dakota Courts:The Unified Judicial System (UJS) consists of the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts and State Court Administrator's Office. The Supreme Court is the state's highest court and final decision maker on South Dakota law. The Circuit Courts are the state's trial courts where criminal proceedings and civil litigation are handled. The State Court Administrator's Office provides centralized administrative assistance and support services for the South Dakota judiciary. Learn more at https://ujs.sd.gov.