ILLINOIS – The U.S Marshals are warning the area public not to respond to two recent scams involving people fraudulently posing as Marshals making calls across the country.

This phony law enforcement officer will inform the potential victims that warrants were being issued for them or their family member due to being absent from a federal grand jury they were previously summoned to appear before. The potential victims were then informed they could avoid arrest by paying a fine by electronic fund transfer or cashier’s check.

The U.S. Marshals Service warned of another ongoing phone scam where the swindler is claiming to be a U.S. Marshal, court officer or law enforcement official looking to collect a fine in lieu of arrest for failing to report for jury duty.

The U.S. Marshals Service is a federal law enforcement agency and does not call anyone to arrange payment of fines over the phone for failure to appear for jury duty or any other infraction.

Never divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers, even if they sound legitimate. Actual court orders can be verified through the local U.S. Clerk’s Office. (618) 439-7760