SCAMS: How to Protect Yourself & What to Do If You're Targeted Jury Duty Scam Alert A jury scam involves individuals impersonating court or law enforcement officials. Scammers falsely claim you missed jury duty and now have a warrant for your arrest. Using fear and intimidation, they manipulate victims into surrendering: Personal information (e.g., Social Security number, bank details) Money or electronic payments They may pressure you to buy a prepaid debit/money card or gift card, or make an immediate electronic payment to "settle" the fake fine and avoid arrest. ⚠️ IMPORTANT: Courts and law enforcement will NEVER contact you by phone or email to demand personal information or payment to avoid arrest. What to Do If You're Targeted If you receive a suspicious phone call, email, or message demanding payment for missing jury duty: Do NOT give out personal or financial information. Do NOT buy prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or make any form of payment. Avoid pressure tactics – scammers often create urgency to fluster you. Immediately contact your local law enforcement to report the incident. By reporting it, you can help authorities fight this fraudulent trend and prevent others from falling victim. Protect Yourself: Tips to Avoid Jury Scams ❌ Don’t share personal or financial information with unknown callers. 💳 Never use gift cards or money cards to pay fines. 🧠 Stay calm – don’t let fear override your judgment. 📞 Report suspicious communications right away. Note: If you actually miss jury service, the court may require you to appear in person and explain your absence before a judge. You will not be asked to pay a fine over the phone or by email. Winnebago County Jurors The Winnebago County Jury Commission is responsible for providing a pool of qualified jurors to ensure the right of all citizens to a trial by an impartial jury. All jurors are selected for service by a computer system that randomly selects individuals from a list of county residents who hold a driver’s license, a voters registration card, a state identification card, a disabled persons identification card, or who have filed a claim for unemployment insurance. You must be at least 18 years old to serve. Citizens who report for jury service are fulfilling a responsibility and protecting a right established under the United States Constitution over two hundred years ago. Indeed, the right to a trial by an impartial jury of one's peers is an integral part of the foundation of American democracy. * INCLEMENT WEATHER REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS * NOTE: In the event the Winnebago County Courthouse must close due to inclement weather, your jury service is complete. BEFORE LEAVING HOME, PLEASE CHECK ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES: CHECK THE 17th CIRCUIT COURT WEBSITE. @ http://www.17thcircuit.illinoiscourts.gov MONITOR YOUR LOCAL TV AND RADIO STATIONS. IF THERE IS NO OFFICIAL CLOSING, PLEASE REPORT AS INSTRUCTED. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact the Jury Commission at (815) 319-4880 Frequently Asked Questions I-Juror Login Boone County Jurors Trial by jury is a fundamental principle of our system of justice. Jury service is therefore both an opportunity and an obligation of every American citizen. The following information will give prospective jurors some background information about the process and what to expect when reporting for jury duty. All jurors are selected for service by a computer system that randomly selects individuals from a list of county residents who hold a driver’s license, a voters registration card, a state identification card, a disabled persons identification card, or who are receiving unemployment compensation. You must be at least 18 years old to serve. If you have questions or comments, feel free to contact the Jury Coordinator at (815) 544-0371 Frequently Asked Questions I-Juror Login To complete the juror questionnaire from your mobile device, TEXT This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and enter your juror number. NOTE: This is a non-responsive address. To complete the juror questionnaire through the automated phone system, call (815) 547-1537. If you are unable to access the juror questionnaire online or by phone, you may call 815-547-6894 or 815-547-6906 and the jury clerk will mail you a written questionnaire for you to complete and submit.
