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In this article, you'll learn:

• How the jury duty scam works and why it is so convincing. 
• Common warning signs that can help you spot the scam. 
• How scammers use fear, urgency, and personal information to pressure victims. 
• What legitimate courts and law enforcement agencies will—and won't—do. 
• Steps you can take to protect your money, identity, and financial accounts.

What’s a Jury Duty Scam?

Have you received a phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer, sheriff's deputy, or court official? They say you missed jury duty, a warrant has been issued for your arrest, and you must pay a fine immediately to avoid going to jail.

Don't panic. It's almost certainly a scam.

How the Scam Works

The scam typically starts with an unexpected phone call. The caller claims to be a law enforcement officer, court employee, or even a U.S. Marshal. They may tell you:

• You failed to appear for jury duty.
• A warrant has been issued for your arrest.
• You owe a fine or bond payment.
• You must pay immediately to avoid being arrested.

To sound convincing, scammers may provide:

• A fake badge number and/or names of real judges or officers
• A bogus case number
• Your address or other personal information
• A counterfeit certified mail document showing where you supposedly signed to acknowledge jury duty requirements
• Caller ID that appears to come from a police department or courthouse

Some scammers even send fake warrants, court documents, or official-looking forms by text or email.

The Pressure Tactics They Use

These criminals rely on fear and urgency.

They may tell you:

• "Officers are on their way to arrest you."
• "You must stay on the phone with me."
• "You have only 30 minutes to resolve this."
• "Hang up and you'll be taken into custody."

Their goal is to keep you frightened long enough that you don't stop to verify the story.

How They Want You to Pay

A major red flag is the payment method. Scammers often demand payment through:

• Gift cards
• Cryptocurrency or Bitcoin ATMs
• Wire transfers
• Payment apps

Real courts and law enforcement agencies do not demand immediate payment using these methods.

The Truth About Jury Duty

If there is a legitimate issue regarding jury service, courts follow formal procedures.

Generally:

• Jury summonses are sent by mail.
• Courts do not call demanding immediate payment.
• Law enforcement does not threaten arrest over the phone.
• Real arrest warrants are not served by text message or email.
• Government agencies do not require payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or money transfer services.

What to Do If You Get One of These Calls

If someone claims you missed jury duty and demands payment:

1. Hang up immediately.
2. Do not provide personal information.
3. Do not send money.
4. Contact your local law enforcement agency using a phone number you independently verify.
5. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

If You've Already Paid

Act quickly:

• Contact your financial institution.
• Report the incident to local law enforcement.
• Change passwords if personal information was shared.
• Monitor your accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity.
• Report the scam to the FTC.

Final Takeaway

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using real names, spoofed phone numbers, personal information, and official-looking documents to make their stories believable. But the core message remains the same: if someone calls claiming you missed jury duty and demands immediate payment to avoid arrest, it's a scam. Pause, verify, and never send money because of a threat made over the phone. 

Remember: Pressure, threats, and demands for immediate payment are some of the biggest warning signs of fraud. While jury duty is a civic responsibility for most Americans. Don’t let scammers use it as a cover to trick you out of your money. When in doubt, hang up and contact the police department directly.