(03/22/06) SOMERVILLE ? Police departments in several New Jersey counties are warning residents about scammers who use fake jury duty phone calls to obtain personal information.

According to police, the scammers call their victims and tell them there?s a warrant out for their arrest because they missed jury duty. In order to get out of jail time, the callers ask for the person?s Social Security number or credit card number. In exchange for a fee, the phony court representatives say they?ll make the entire mess go away.

Court sheriffs say they would never make a phone call requesting personal information. They urge any residents who receive such a call to hang up and contact the police immediately. Residents with specific information about jury duty can click here to visit New Jersey Courts Online.