New Phone Scam Could Cost You Thousands

The Better Business Bureau is warning of a new phone scam that is on the rise.

Jury duty scams are on the rise across the country and could cost you thousands of dollars.

WPRI 12 reports that people are receiving phone calls that they have missed jury duty and are facing fines. The impostor then threatens jail time for those who don't pay up.

In Idaho, a woman lost $2,000...$1,000 to cover her "fine" and another $1,000 in fees for what they called "phone court."

The BBB's Scam Tracker shows these phone scams have been increasing over the last 12 months and can seem very believable to those living in Massachusetts.

In Mass., those who skip out on jury duty are fined up to $2,000. But the BBB says the courthouse will never call you up and threaten you or require you to wire money for that fine.

So if you ever receive one of these scam phone calls, here are some tips from the professionals.

1. Never wire money. Police will never ask for money over the phone.

2. Police never call to warn about arrest or bail. Always ask for credentials if the caller states they are police. And if you still don't feel comfortable, hang up and call the police station back to verify someone there truly did call you.

3. Don't give out personal information. Jury duty notification never asks for these things. So if the caller is asking, they are most likely just trying to steal your identity.

4. Fake calls typically come at night. Scammers usually call after business hours. When in doubt, hang up.

If you are affected by a scam like this, you are encouraged to call your local police, the Federal Trade Commission, your state Attorney General and BBB Scam Tracker.