06/01/2026
SCAM ALERT: "Missed Federal Jury Duty" Threats
If you receive a phone call, text, or email claiming you missed federal jury duty and must pay a fine to avoid arrest, DO NOT RESPOND! This is a scam.
How the Scam Works:
Scammers impersonate U.S. Marshals, sheriff's deputies, police departments or court officials. They claim a warrant is out for your arrest or about to be issued. They can "Spoof" the phone number on your caller ID making it appear they are calling from a local law enforcement agency.
They pressure you to pay an immediate "fine" or "bond."
They demand untraceable methods like CASH APPS, prepaid gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
How Real Courts Actually Operate:
Courts WILL NOT CALL YOU OR TEXT YOU! Courts communicate almost exclusively through official U.S. Mail.
Court officials or law enforcement officers will NEVER demand money, credit card numbers, or social security numbers over the phone or by email.
If you actually miss jury duty, a judge will order you to appear in court in person to explain your absence BEFORE issuing any penalties. The order to appear will not include any demand for money. Law enforcement will NEVER call, text, or email demanding money for missing court, failure to pay fines, or tell you that you have a warrant.
What You Should Do:
Hang Up: Do not engage, argue, or give out personal data.
If you are a victim of this scam, you can file a report at reportfraud.ftc.gov
This is just one of thousands of scams that are happening. Please share with family and friends, especially elderly.