Impersonation
Jury Duty or Arrest Warrant Scam
A caller claiming to be law enforcement says you missed jury duty and must pay a fine to avoid arrest.
How it works
Someone claiming to be a sheriff, marshal, or court officer says you failed to appear for jury duty and there's now a warrant for your arrest. They say you can avoid jail by paying a fine right away, usually by gift card or wire. Courts and law enforcement do not call to demand payment over the phone to clear a warrant.
Warning signs
- Claims you missed jury duty and now face arrest
- Caller says they are a sheriff, marshal, or officer
- Demands a fine paid by gift card or wire
- Threatens immediate arrest if you don't pay
- Tells you to stay on the phone and keep it secret
- Knows your name and some details to seem official
The newer AI trick
Scammers can spoof the real sheriff's office number and use a stern AI-generated voice to sound like an actual officer.
What to do
- Hang up and do not pay anything.
- Call the real court or sheriff's office using a number you look up yourself.
- Remember: no agency takes gift cards to clear a warrant.
- Tell a family member what happened.
If they are still on the line: Do not pay or confirm personal details. Hang up. Real courts and police do not collect fines by phone or gift card.
How to report it
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or 1-877-382-4357, and to your local court or sheriff's office. For elder-specific help, call the DOJ Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311.