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Scam library · Phone calls · Government impostor · Texts

Jury duty warrant scam call

A caller says they're a deputy or court officer. You missed jury duty, a bench warrant has been issued, and you'll be arrested unless you pay a fine today. They may know your address and give a real-sounding case number.

Federal courts warn that this is a scam. Real courts contact jurors mostly by mail and don't demand payment by phone or threaten arrest over a missed summons.

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What the message looks like

Phone call (what the caller says) · example, not real

From: "Lt. Brian Moore, County Sheriff's Office"

"Our records show you failed to appear for jury duty on October 14. A bench warrant has been issued for your arrest."

"You can resolve this today by paying a $1,500 bond. I'll stay on the line while you go to the nearest store. Do not discuss this with anyone or it is contempt of court."

This is a made-up example. Courts don't take fines over the phone or tell you to keep it secret.

How this scam works

The scammer pressures you to stay on the phone while you go buy gift cards, withdraw cash for a 'bond' or use a Bitcoin ATM. Some ask you to meet at a courthouse parking lot. Others send texts or emails with fake court seals.

The scam uses the name of a real sheriff or deputy, so searching the name may seem to confirm it. Spoofed caller ID can show a sheriff's office number too.

Jury scams have been reported in many states, often in waves, and they sometimes target people who really did receive a summons recently. If you're unsure about a real summons, the clerk's office can tell you your status in a few minutes.

Red flags

  • Threats of arrest over missed jury duty.
  • Demands for payment by gift card, crypto, wire or cash.
  • 'Stay on the line' and 'don't talk to anyone'.
  • Unexpected texts or emails with court seals and links.
  • A request for your Social Security number 'to clear the record'.

How to tell it’s fake

  1. Hang up and call the clerk of court using the number on the court's official .gov website.
  2. Check your mail for real jury summons and notices.
  3. Courts don't accept payment for missed jury duty over the phone.

What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info

Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.

If you clicked a link or called back

  • Hang up and report the call to the court clerk, your local police and ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

If you paid

  • Call your bank or gift card company right away. For a Bitcoin ATM, contact the operator and report to ic3.gov.

If you shared personal info, a password or a code

  • If you gave your Social Security number, place a credit freeze and use IdentityTheft.gov.

Where to report and get help (U.S.)

If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.

  • Your bank or card issuer
    Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account.
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
    Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan.
  • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
    Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details.
  • AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
    Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern.
  • IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
    If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.

How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you

Scam Guard can't hear phone calls. If a fake court notice reaches your email or a link opens in Chrome or Edge on your computer, it checks whether the 'court' page is on a real .gov address and warns about payment pressure. It's another layer of protection for parents who might panic at a call like this.

Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.

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Questions people ask

Can you be arrested for missing jury duty?
Courts handle missed jury service through mailed notices and hearings. They don't call to collect fines.
The caller gave a real deputy's name. Is it legit?
Scammers use real names found online. Hang up and call the court clerk.
Where do I report this?
Tell the local court, local police and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Sources

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