Fraudsters Target the Public With Jury Duty Scams

There’s a lesser-known deceptive scam that’s reportedly been targeting unsuspecting citizens: fraudulent calls or emails claiming missed jury duty.

At a Glance

Scammers impersonate court officials, claiming you missed jury duty and face arrest.
They demand immediate payment or personal information to fix the problem.
Courts never request payment or sensitive information over the phone.
If contacted, hang up and verify with the court using a known, official number.
Report any such scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

The Anatomy of a Jury Duty Scam

Missing jury duty can indeed have serious consequences, including fines, court appearances, or even arrest. However, scammers exploit this legitimate concern by posing as police officers or court officials, claiming you’ve missed jury duty and are now in legal jeopardy. These fraudsters employ sophisticated tactics to appear credible, often using fake badge numbers and case files to bolster their false authority.

“We’ve seen a resurgence of jury scams in recent months where a caller demands that someone pay a fee or face arrest for missing jury duty. Let me be clear: these calls are fraudulent,” said Chief Judge Corrigan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Florida.

The scammer’s primary goal is to instill fear and urgency, pressuring victims into immediate action. They may claim there’s a warrant for your arrest but offer a way out – if you pay a fine immediately. Some scammers go further, threatening jail time or demanding sensitive personal information like Social Security numbers, opening the door to identity theft.

Did you get a call or email saying you missed jury duty and need to pay? It’s a scam: https://t.co/KhSON5o7HA

— FTC (@FTC) September 16, 2024

Red Flags: How to Spot the Scam

Understanding the tactics these criminals use is crucial for protecting yourself and your loved ones. Courts and law enforcement agencies never demand immediate payment over the phone, especially not through unconventional methods like gift cards, payment apps, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. They also don’t solicit sensitive personal information via phone or email.

“Dallas County jury services is never, ever going to call you and ask you for money,” Judge Dominique Collins of Dallas County Criminal District Court 4 stated last month when addressing these types of scams.

If you receive a call or email about missed jury duty, it’s important to be cautious. Scammers often use technology to “spoof” caller IDs, making it appear as if they’re calling from a courthouse or government agency.

Protecting Yourself from Jury Duty Scams

The best defense against these scams is knowledge and caution. If you’re contacted about missed jury duty, do not provide any personal information or payment. Instead, hang up and contact your local court directly using a verified phone number. This simple step can help protect you from falling victim to fraud.

Legitimate court communications about jury duty typically come through official channels, usually by mail. If you’re ever in doubt about the validity of a jury duty summons or notice, contact your local courthouse directly. It’s also crucial to report any suspected scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. By reporting these incidents, you can help authorities track and combat these fraudulent activities, potentially preventing others from falling victim.

Staying Vigilant in a Digital Age

As technology evolves, so do the tactics of scammers. They’re increasingly targeting all age groups, not just older Americans. While seniors with landlines remain frequent targets, younger individuals aren’t immune. Scammers adapt their methods, using email and even text messages to cast a wider net.

Business strategies Marva Bailer spoke to FOX Business, saying, “scammers prey on our anxiety of missing out or facing consequences, using tactics to push us into giving up personal information or money.”

By staying informed about these scams and sharing this knowledge with friends and family, we can create a more resilient community against fraud. Remember, legitimate authorities will never pressure you for immediate payment or personal information over the phone or via email. When in doubt, verify independently and report suspicious activity. Together, we can help protect our communities from these deceptive practices and uphold the integrity of our justice system.