Summons or Scam: Jury Duty Fraud Happened to Me

“Potential Spam” appears on my caller ID multiple times a week. Strange text messages attempt to gain my personal information, and hackers send emails with fake offers.

But it was a federal jury duty scam and a live person on the phone that nearly lost me thousands of dollars. Even though I research fraud trends to provide consumer education, this scam felt real.

Remembering that I had received a jury summons a few months ago, I initially felt the “officer” could be correct. Perhaps the court date hadn’t been cancelled as I vaguely recalled. Perhaps I did need to pay the initial fine and later plead my case. As the call went on, however, the scammer’s requests became stranger. Threats of being arrested, needing to pay a fine but not at the sheriff’s office, and remaining on the phone were repeated again and again. 

Eventually, I decided to drive to a local jurisdiction while still on the phone. When the scammer heard another person’s voice on the line, he hung up immediately. A few moments later, however, the scammers called back once more to try to continue the scam.

One of the best ways to shut down fraud schemes is information. We should know how scammers operate in order to identify red flags in suspicious emails, text messages and phone calls.

Jury duty scammers are known to use tactics like the following:

• Claiming to be local law enforcement – Victims receive a call from their local sheriff’s department or police department with an officer saying the individual did not appear for jury duty.

• More than one “officer” – Scammers work in pairs with one officer taking initial information and transferring to another, attempting to boost the legitimacy of the claims.

• Spoofing real agency phone numbers and documents – The caller ID may appear legitimate because the scammers have spoofed the correct number. They may also send forged warrant documentation.

• Having personal information – Fraudsters may also validate their claim by having some of the victim’s personal information.

• Threats of warrants and arrests – Like many scams, jury duty scams use fear tactics to throw potential victims off balance.

• Demands to stay on the phone – Not wanting the victim to talk to another person, the scammer tells them they must remain on the phone throughout the process.

• Offers to “deactivate” a warrant” for cash – In exchange for a cash bond, the “officer” says he will deactivate the failure to appear warrant.

• Secrecy and more threats – Citing an ongoing legal matter, the scammers demand the victim claim the cash is for a “family emergency.” 

How to handle a scam like this

• Hang up and call local law enforcement directly.

• Go to a local police station in person if you feel you’re being threatened.

• File a report with Internet Crime Complaint Center. Even if you have limited information, your report can make a difference. 

Remember – if you do miss jury duty, you will be contacted in person or via letter. Official law enforcement will never request funds or personal information over the phone. 

Learn more about fraud trends and how to spot them.