Jury duty scams: how to spot and report them

The script is always similar. Someone claiming to be a court officer, deputy, or marshal says you missed jury duty, a warrant has been issued, and you can clear it right now by paying a fine or "verifying" your Social Security number, date of birth, or bank details. It's a scam.

What the courts say

The U.S. Courts warn that people are being targeted by phone calls, emails, and messaging scams that threaten prosecution for failing to comply with jury service. Recipients are pressured to hand over confidential data, which can lead to identity theft and fraud, and are threatened with fines and jail. These communications are fraudulent and not connected with the U.S. courts. State courts post similar warnings. Colorado's jury page, for example, opens with a notice about a jury duty phone scam.

How real courts contact jurors

• Mostly by mail. The U.S. Courts say most contact between a federal court and a prospective juror is through the U.S. mail.
• No sensitive data by phone or email. Federal courts don't require anyone to provide sensitive information in a phone call or email, and real court staff who call or email won't ask for it.
• No payment by phone. Courts don't take gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps over the phone to "cancel a warrant."

Red flags

• Threats of immediate arrest unless you pay now.
• Requests for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card.
• Payment by gift card, prepaid card, crypto, or a payment app.
• Caller ID showing a court or sheriff's office. That can be faked.
• Pressure to stay on the line or keep it secret.

What to do

1. Hang up or don't reply. Don't give any information.
2. Call the court yourself using a number from the court's official website, the government listings, or a summons you actually received. Our state directory links to official jury pages.
3. Report it. The U.S. Courts ask people to notify the Clerk of Court's office of the U.S. District Court in their area, and you can also report to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
4. If you already paid or shared data, contact your bank right away, and see the FTC's identity theft guidance.

Why it works

Most people know jury duty is mandatory and that missing it can have consequences. See missed your jury summons?. Scammers rely on that. The real process is slower and on paper. A court would send notices and give you a chance to explain before any penalty. It doesn't demand money over the phone.

The U.S. Courts also note that it's a crime for anyone to falsely represent themselves as a federal court official.