Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Jury Duty Scam Phone Call - How to Protect Yourself
Jury Duty Scam Phone Call - How to Protect Yourself

A jury duty scam phone call involves fraudsters posing as court officials or law enforcement, claiming you missed jury service and threatening immediate arrest unless a fine is paid via prepaid cards, wire transfer, or apps. Real courts never demand money, credit card numbers, or personal information over the phone.

What to Do

  • Hang Up Immediately: If a caller threatens arrest for missing jury duty and demands payment, it is a scam.
  • How to Verify: Genuine court communication regarding missed jury duty comes via official mail, never by phone.
  • Do Not Pay or Provide Data: Never give Social Security numbers, bank details, or purchase "money packs" to stop an arrest.
  • Report the Call: Report the incident to your local law enforcement, the Clerk of Court’s office, or the FTC.

Warning Signs of a Scam Call

  • Spoofed Caller ID: The phone number may appear to be from a legitimate court or sheriff's office.
  • High Pressure Tactics: Scammers use urgent, threatening, and intimidating language to prevent you from thinking clearly.
  • Unusual Payment Methods: Requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or apps like Zelle.
  • Use of Real Names: Scammers may use real names of judges or law enforcement officers found online to increase credibility.

If you are concerned about your jury status, contact your local court directly using a verified, official number.

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Comment sectionComments / Answers (1)

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by info

I got a call from the Gulf County Sheriff's Department yesterday letting me know about the bench warrant issued for my arrest for missing jury duty.
Odd. After a bit of chatting about it and a request to swing by CVS or Walmart to get a “warrant release receipt”, the gig was up.
Be vigilant gang, the calls are wild.

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