WARNING: Bogus Phone Calls, Emails, and Messaging on Jury Service May Lead to Fraud

People are being targeted by phone call, email, and messaging scams threatening them with prosecution for failing to comply with jury service.  These callers pretend to be law enforcement officers or court personnel.

In the communications, recipients are pressured to provide confidential data, potentially leading to identity theft and fraud. These scammers threaten fines and jail time and often demand payment.  These communications are fraudulent and are not connected with the U.S. Courts.

• Federal courts do not require anyone to provide any sensitive information in a telephone call or email.
• Most contact between a federal court and a prospective juror will be through the U.S. mail, and any phone or email contact by real court officials will not include requests for any sensitive information. 
• Jury duty is a vital civic responsibility and should be taken seriously by all citizens. However, it is a crime for anyone to falsely represent themself as a federal court official. The federal Judiciary takes such offenses seriously.  

Persons receiving such a telephone call or email should not provide the requested information and should notify the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas by calling 501-604-5351 or clicking here to send an email reporting the incident.  Additionally, please report any scams or suspicious communications to the Federal Trade Commission.