Police officer helps prevent resident from losing $40,000 in jury duty scam in Sussex County
ANDOVER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — A routine traffic enforcement detail in Andover Township helped prevent an individual from potentially losing $40,000 to a jury duty scam, according to police.
The incident occurred Thursday, Oct. 22, while an Andover Township police officer was conducting radar enforcement along Stickles Pond Road.
According to a statement released by the Andover Township Police Department on Monday, Oct. 26, the officer was parked along the roadway when a frantic individual pulled over and asked for help.
Police said the individual was on the phone with someone claiming to represent the Warren County courts. The caller falsely claimed the individual had an active warrant for failing to appear for jury duty and was pressuring the person, who had approximately $40,000 in cash in their possession.
When the officer took the phone to speak with the caller, the person on the other end immediately hung up, police said.
Authorities said the officer’s presence allowed the individual to seek assistance before potentially handing over the money to the scammer.
The department highlighted the incident as an example of how routine police visibility can help protect community members in unexpected situations.
Police also used the incident to warn residents about scammers who impersonate court officials and threaten arrest over missed jury duty to demand immediate payments.
According to police, scammers frequently use fear, urgency and threats of arrest to pressure victims into withdrawing or handing over money.
Residents are urged not to provide cash or make payments in response to threatening phone calls. Anyone receiving a call claiming they have an outstanding warrant for missing jury duty should hang up and independently contact the court using an official telephone number to verify the information.
Police did not release the identity of the individual involved or provide additional information about the suspected scammer.
