Jury duty callers now follow up with a fake arrest warrant by text or email

The FTC describes calls from someone posing as a U.S. Marshal or local officer who says you missed jury duty and must pay a fine to avoid arrest. The newer twist is an official-looking warrant sent by text or email, with an amount owed. The caller may already know your name and address.

Warning signs

• A warrant arrives by text or email. Real law enforcement does not send them that way.
• You are told you will be arrested if you hang up.
• The fine can only be paid with a payment app, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or a wire service.

What to do

1. Hang up. Courts do not take payment over the phone, and no government agency will.
2. If you are worried, look up your local court clerk yourself and call that number.
3. Report the call at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you paid, see our recovery steps.

Already clicked or paid? Go to the recovery steps.