Hamilton County Circuit Court Clerk, Paula T. Thompson, who is also Hamilton County Jury coordinator, has been notified that Hamilton County residents are receiving a “prank” phone message.
These messages are indicating they have failed to report for jury duty and will be fined $500 and serve a 30-day prison sentence for failing to appear. Victims are being contacted via text and/or email and told to call a number to receive a message. The phone numbers are 704 319-7254 and 704 319-7242. This “prank” is happening all over the country and Hamilton County officials are urging citizens not to call these numbers and fall victim to this prank.
Officials said, "In Hamilton County if you fail to report for jury duty you can be fined up to $500, but would be contacted by the Jury Coordinator, Paula T. Thompson via mail, or be served by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department with a court date to appear in front of a Judge. Hamilton County Jury Department would never text or email you to say you owe any money and/or need to serve any time in prison."