Warning: Fake “missed jury duty” arrest-threat calls

The call opens with a claim that you failed to appear for jury duty and that a judge has issued a warrant for your arrest. The caller — posing as a court officer, deputy, or clerk — says the only way to avoid arrest is to pay a fine right away, usually by gift card, wire transfer, or a payment app. A follow-up text or email may include an official-looking badge number or “court document” to add credibility.

The threat of imminent arrest is designed to short-circuit careful thinking. Real jury summonses arrive by mail, and courts do not call, text, or email demanding instant payment to avoid arrest, and they never ask for gift cards or crypto.

The FTC is warning people to treat any call, text, or email threatening arrest over missed jury duty as a scam. If you are unsure, contact your local court directly using a phone number you look up yourself, not one given by the caller.