A call claiming you skipped jury duty and now face a warrant unless you pay a fine right now — by gift card, wire, or app — is a classic impersonation scam. Paste any document you also received for a read.
Courts and sheriffs do not call demanding immediate payment to clear a warrant, and they never take gift cards, prepaid cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Real failure-to-appear issues are handled by mail and in court — not a phone call pressuring you to pay within the hour to avoid arrest. Scammers spoof the sheriff's real number and weaponize your fear of arrest to rush you.
Hang up. Don't pay anything or share personal or banking details. If you're genuinely unsure about a jury summons, call the court clerk directly using a number from the court's official website — never the number the caller gives you. Report the call to your local sheriff's non-emergency line and to the FTC.
No. Courts don't call to collect a fine to clear a warrant, and they never demand gift cards or wire transfers. A 'pay now or be arrested' jury-duty call is always a scam — hang up and verify with the court directly.
By a mailed summons or notice with a case or court reference — not a surprise phone call demanding immediate payment. If in doubt, contact the court clerk using a number you look up yourself.
This guidance is compiled from official U.S. government sources. For your specific situation, verify directly:
Last reviewed 2026-06-24. How we check & who's behind this →