Rising Jury Duty Phone Scams: Impersonating Officials to Avoid Arrest
Fraudsters are increasingly impersonating local officials to trick individuals into paying fines for alleged missed jury duty, using fear of arrest as leverage. These scams, which involve personalized calls from unknown numbers, are becoming more sophisticated and dangerous due to their emotional impact and perceived credibility. Scammers often demand payment through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, but legitimate authorities never ask for money over the phone. Victims are advised to confirm with official channels, avoid sharing personal information, and use protective tools like antivirus software and call blockers to stay safe.
The rise of such scams highlights a shift in tactics by cybercriminals, who are utilizing hyper-personalized and emotionally charged phone calls to exploit both fear and a sense of responsibility. These calls often reference real civic duties like jury service, making them particularly convincing. In some cases, scammers use leaked or publicly available data to appear credible, but they still rely on tactics that are not representative of legitimate law enforcement processes. The key takeaway is that while scammers may have access to personal information, they are still not entitled to demand money or sensitive data over the phone.
Scammers posing as court officials are targeting individuals with false claims about missed jury duty, prompting warnings from law enforcement. The fraud typically begins with a call from a blocked or unknown number, alleging that the recipient has missed jury duty and is facing an arrest warrant. The scammers then demand payment, usually through wire transfers or gift cards.
A key warning sign is being asked to pay money to avoid arrest or legal trouble. It is important never to give money or personal information to unknown callers.
These scams often target older or more vulnerable individuals, although younger people have also reported close calls. In one example, a person received repeated calls from an unidentified number before answering. The caller, claiming to be from a local sheriff’s department and equipped with the individual’s full name and address, insisted they had failed to appear for jury duty and faced multiple citations.
Legitimate jury summonses are delivered by mail, not through threatening phone calls.
If you get a suspicious call about missed jury duty, don’t panic. Follow these steps to stay safe and protect your personal information.
This might sound obvious, but don’t trust any unknown caller, especially if they demand money. Legitimate authorities will never ask for payment over the phone, especially not through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. If someone threatens you with arrest or legal action unless you pay immediately, it’s almost certainly a scam. Hang up and call your local court or police department using an official number.
If you receive a suspicious call, take a breath and fact-check. Court summonses are always delivered by mail, not over the phone. Even if the caller has personal information like your name or address, that doesn’t make them credible. Scammers often use leaked or publicly available data to appear convincing.
Be extra cautious, even if the scam comes through text messages or email. Do not click on any suspicious links, as they can install malware on your device and steal your personal data.
The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.
Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.
These scams often target older or more vulnerable individuals, although younger people have also reported close calls. In one example, a person received repeated calls from an unidentified number before answering. The caller, claiming to be from a local sheriff’s department and equipped with the individual’s full name and address, insisted they had failed to appear for jury duty and faced multiple citations.