According to Patch.com, a Western Springs man was recently conned out of $35,000 in an elaborate jury duty scam after receiving a call from someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer. The caller allegedly convinced the victim that he had missed jury duty and faced immediate arrest unless he paid a hefty fine. Photo by Sasun Bughdaryan on Unsplash Lady justice and gavel on a blue backgroundThe Jury Duty Scam Works Because People Are Afraid Of What Will Happen If They Miss Jury Duty, Even By AccidentOver the last year, south‑suburban Chicago communities have seen a surge of this nasty scam targeting residents’ fear of legal trouble. According to Patch.com, a Palos Park resident received a text message claiming a bench warrant had been issued because she allegedly skipped jury duty. Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash Scam spelled with scrabbles on a wooden tableThe Biggest Reasons The Jury Duty Scam Works So Well Are Urgency And FearScam-callers claim there’s a pending warrant and insist on immediate payment or personal information to “clear up" the issue of missed jury duty.