Southern Illinois is being hit with a new phone scam.
According to the Marshals’ Southern District office there is a scam circulating in which a phone call comes in appearing to be a local number and the caller on the other end pretends to be from the Marshal Service.
The Marshal’s are receiving hundreds of calls at offices nationwide from people asking us why the U.S. Marshals are seeking money from them. These calls are scams.
Marshal’s official stated “during these calls, scammers typically attempt to collect a fine in lieu of arrest for failing to report for jury duty or other offenses.

According to officials, victims are told that they can avoid arrest by purchasing a prepaid debit card or gift card and read the card number over the phone to resolve the fine.
Those believing they are the victims of this or any scam are encouraged to contact your local police department.
“To date we have not received any reports related to this particular scam. This information is being issued as a preventative warning.”
Chief George Filenko









