Government & Official Impersonation
Jury duty warrant call
A caller claiming to be a sheriff's deputy or court officer says you missed jury duty and there is a warrant for your arrest — but you can clear it right now by paying a fine over the phone, usually with gift cards or a prepaid card. Courts handle missed jury duty by mail. No court or police department collects fines by phone.
What it looks like
Example scam message“This is Deputy [name] with the county sheriff's office. You failed to appear for federal jury duty and there is an active warrant. You can resolve this today with a bond payment of $980. Do not hang up.”
Details like names, amounts, and links change — the pattern stays the same.
Red flags to watch for
- A 'warrant' that can be cleared by paying over the phone.
- Payment demanded by gift card, prepaid card, or money transfer.
- The caller uses a real officer's name or badge number to sound official — those are easy to look up.
- Instructions to stay on the line and not tell anyone.
What to do
- Hang up. Courts send jury notices by mail — they do not call demanding money.
- If you are worried, call the court clerk's office using the number on the court's official website.
- Never pay a 'fine' with gift cards or prepaid cards.
Where to report it
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ShieldGuard provides informational guidance to help you spot likely scams. It is not legal or financial advice and not a guarantee — no tool catches every scam. When money is involved, slow down and talk to someone you trust before acting.