Editor's Note: Learn more about scams targeting jurors and others doing business with the federal courts, and how to protect yourself. 

Juror and court scams continue to occur with enough regularity that federal court personnel remain on alert. In these scams, fraudsters impersonate court officials and attempt to obtain personal or financial information that could be used for identity theft or financial fraud.

How the Scam Works

Members of the public may receive a phone call, text message, or email from someone claiming to be a court official. The scammer may falsely claim that the recipient:

• Missed jury service or failed to respond to a jury summons;
• Owes a fine or other payment; or
• Faces arrest, contempt proceedings, or other penalties unless immediate action is taken.

The scammer may demand immediate payment and direct the recipient to use a prepaid card, gift card, wire transfer, mobile payment application, or cryptocurrency.

To appear legitimate, scammers may use spoofed phone numbers, official-sounding titles, and publicly available information about the courts. They may also pressure recipients to act immediately, discourage them from independently verifying the information, or use threatening or intimidating language.

Courts Will Not Demand Payment by Phone, Text, or Email

Courts do not instruct individuals to purchase gift cards, use cryptocurrency, or transfer money to avoid arrest or other penalties related to jury service. Courts does not ask for sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, or credit card numbers, by telephone or email.

If someone claiming to be a court official asks for sensitive personal or financial information, do not provide it.

How to Verify Court Communication

Requests from the court to complete a jury qualification questionnaire are initiated through formal written correspondence. Such correspondence provides instructions for accessing an authenticated, secure online system.

If you receive an Order, Notice, or other communication that you believe may be fraudulent, do not rely on the contact information provided in the suspicious communication. Instead, verify the information independently through official court resources.

Court cases and documents can be verified through PACER, or you can contact one of the Court’s Divisional Offices using the contact information listed on the Court’s official website.

Federal law makes it a crime to falsely represent oneself as a federal court employee.

What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Call, Text, or Email
If you receive suspicious communication:

1. Do not provide personal, Social Security, driver’s license, or financial information.
2. Do not make a payment or transfer money in response to the communication.
3. Do not purchase gift cards or cryptocurrency at the caller’s direction.
4. Do not click links or use contact information provided in the suspicious message until you have independently verified the communication.
5. Contact the Clerk’s Office at your nearest federal district court to verify whether the communication is legitimate. 
6. If you provided personal or financial information, take appropriate steps to protect your identity and finances, which may include contacting the major credit bureaus and your financial institutions.

You can also report suspected fraud to your local FBI office, FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), or the Federal Trade Commission.

Learn More
For more information about juror scams and other scams involving the federal courts, visit the U.S. Courts website and Common Frauds and Scams — FBI. Contact information for federal courts is available through the U.S. Courts court locator.

Related Topics: Public Alerts