Jury Duty or a Scam? Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore

Knowing how real courts communicate can help you avoid costly jury duty scams

Jurors in a courtroom proceeding

If you receive a call or email claiming you missed jury duty and must pay a fine, despite never getting a jury notice, it’s likely a jury duty scam. Scammers pose as law enforcement and use threats of fines or arrest to create urgency and pressure you into paying immediately.

Signs of a Jury Duty Scam

Watch for these red flags if someone claims you missed jury duty:

  • Demands payment immediately over the phone: Legitimate courts and government agencies will never require fines to be paid by phone.
  • Insists on specific payment methods: Scammers often claim you can only pay through peer-to-peer apps, wire transfers or gift cards.
  • Asks for sensitive personal information: Real courts will not request details like your Social Security number or birthdate from potential jurors. 

What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Call or Email

If something feels off, take these steps right away:

  • Do not respond or send money: Avoid sharing any personal or financial information.
  • Confirm through official channels: Look up court's official website or call the court directly using a trusted phone number.
  • Report the scam: Forward suspicious emails to the FTC at spam@uce.gov or file a report online for phone scams.  
  • Act fast if you've already paid or shared details: Contact your bank immediately if you provided account or card information. They can help protect your accounts and may be able to stop or recover fraudulent transactions.

Jury duty scams and other common scams rely on fear and urgency, but knowing the warning signs can help you protect your information.

The information provided in these articles is intended for informational purposes only. It is not to be construed as the opinion of Central Bancompany, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and does not imply endorsement or support of any of the mentioned information, products, services, or providers. All information presented is without any representation, guaranty, or warranty regarding the accuracy, relevance, or completeness of the information.