Judge warns - beware of jury duty scam.

This story concerns a Missouri judge who has issued a public warning to his community about a "phishing" scam. These calls are circulating the country from individuals posing as officers of state and federal courts in an attempt to steal personal information that can be used for identity theft.

Typically, the scammer will call an individual claiming they work with a federal or state court and will inform the intended victim that he or she failed to show up for jury duty.

After threatening arrest, the caller will then ask for confidential information - such as a Social Security number, date of birth and credit card number - which they will then use to make purchases, obtain cash, raid bank accounts or even take out loans.