The scam typically comes in the form of a phone call, the caller claims to be from your local law enforcement or judicial agency.

They inform you that you have missed a jury duty summons or failed to turn up for jury duty and there is a warrant for your arrest, or you could be arrested. The scammer may have your name, address, date of birth and other personal information. The caller ID may display a legitimate number, but it is not, the number has been spoofed to further convince you that the call is authentic.

The scammer tells you that you can avoid arrest if you pay a fine, they may ask for payment using a gift card, prepaid debit card, payment app, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or some other form of payment.

They may also ask for personal or private information that can be used for financial and identity theft. Their intention is to instill a sense of fear and urgency and steal your money.

Another version of the scam can come in an email or text message with a link or attachment for jury duty or a jury summons. Clicking the link or attachment will direct you to a fraudulent site or download malware on your device.

How to Avoid Being Scammed

Never provide personal or financial information to someone who contacts you out of the blue.

Be skeptical of all unsolicited phone calls, emails, or text messages.

If you are concerned contact the appropriate judicial agency and ask.

Hang up on callers that pressure or threaten you.

Beware of requests to pay via wire transfer, prepaid debit or gift cards, digital wallet apps, or cryptocurrency. These types of payment requests are a red flag because you cannot get your money back once you realize you have been scammed.

Federal courts do not require anyone to provide personal information over the phone.

Courts send jury duty summonses and notices about failure to appear for a court date through the USPS mail.

Citizens are not required to pay a fine for missing jury duty without first being given the opportunity to explain themselves in court.

Court officials will never demand payment over the phone, through email or by text message.