Have you ever gotten a call or email saying you missed jury duty and need to pay, even though you never received a jury notice and know that’s not how courts work? That’s a jury duty scam.
Scammers know that missing jury duty can have serious consequences, like fines or court dates. They may call you without warning and pretend to be a police officer or U.S. Marshal. They will urgently claim you missed jury duty and threaten arrest if you don’t pay right away.
How to Spot a Jury Duty Scam
- Payment requests over the phone: Real courts and government agencies never demand that you pay a fine over the phone.
- Unusual payment methods: Scammers will tell you that you can only pay through payment apps, gift cards or cryptocurrency.
- Requests for personal information: Real courts never ask potential jurors for sensitive details like Social Security numbers or birthdates
If You Get a Suspicious Call or Email
- Do not respond, send money, or provide personal information.
- Verify with official sources. Visit the court’s official website or call the court directly using a trusted number.
- Report the scam. Forward emails to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at spam@uce.gov or report phone scams online.
- Act quickly if you’ve already paid or shared information. If you sent money or provided bank or card details, contact your bank immediately. They can help secure your accounts and may be able to stop or recover fraudulent transactions.
Being aware of common scams and knowing the warning signs can help you stay protected. Always pause before acting, verify requests through trusted sources, and report anything suspicious. Staying informed is one of the best ways to keep your personal and financial information safe.
