Official warning
Fake jury duty notices threaten arrest
Calls and official-looking messages claim you missed jury duty and must pay to avoid arrest.
How it works
The scammer uses fear, a fake badge number or forged documents to make an immediate fine sound genuine.
A message might say
“There is a warrant for missing jury service. Pay the fine now to stop officers being sent to your home.”
Warning signs
- ●An unexpected threat of arrest or a warrant
- ●A fine must be paid immediately by gift card, app or cryptocurrency
- ●The caller tells you not to contact the court yourself
What to do
- 1End the call and do not use any number they provide
- 2Contact the court directly using an official government website
- 3Report the approach through ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Source: Federal Trade Commission. Ward has rewritten the warning in plain language.