240. The Jury Duty Scam: How It Almost Got My Brother and Me

Have you ever received a phone call saying there’s a warrant out for your arrest?

That’s exactly what happened to my brother. The jury duty scam is making waves across the U.S., and it’s not just targeting older adults. It sounds legitimate, it’s terrifying, and it’s catching even the most skeptical people off guard.

In today’s episode, we break down this sophisticated scam that uses fear, authority, and just enough truth to reel in victims. It’s a growing problem with real consequences—and being aware is your first defense. Whether you're caring for aging parents or just want to protect yourself, this conversation could save you or someone you love thousands.

Chapters

00:00:00 – “There’s a warrant out for your arrest.”
00:02:00 – Craig's shocking phone call from a fake detective
00:04:30 – The red flags start adding up
00:06:00 – The "bond payment" twist
00:08:00 – Visiting the real sheriff’s office
00:10:00 – Why the scam felt so real
00:12:00 – Other scams targeting seniors
00:14:00 – Tips to protect yourself from phone fraud
00:16:30 – Final thoughts and scam reporting resources

I’m joined by someone very close to me—my brother Craig Martin. Craig’s not an expert in fraud prevention, but he became an unwilling student of scam tactics when he was nearly caught up in a convincing jury duty scam. His firsthand story is equal parts alarming and eye-opening.

Craig shares how a regular day turned sideways after one phone call. The scammer had all his personal info and even directed him to the real sheriff’s department—making the con feel completely legit. He’ll walk us through every twist and turn, including how they tried to get $3,000 out of him under the guise of a “bond.”

We’ll talk about the psychology of these scams—how scammers use urgency, fake authority, and legal jargon to manipulate their targets. Craig will share the exact red flags that made him pause and how he ultimately avoided losing money.

We also cover how this isn’t just an isolated trick. I’ve experienced a version of it too, and many others I know have received similar calls. We’ll explain why older adults are often targeted, and how you can help protect your loved ones from falling prey to phone scams, including Medicare fraud and the grandparent scam.

We’ll answer common questions like:

• What does a real jury duty notice look like?

• How do scammers get your personal info?

• What should you do if you get a suspicious call?

Want to stay one step ahead of scams and get expert guidance on all things senior living? Visit loriwilliams-seniorservices.com for more helpful resources, tips, and tools to keep you and your loved ones informed and protected. You’ll also find previous podcast episodes, blog posts, and ways to connect with trusted senior living services. Let’s age wisely—together.