PHOENIX — Officials in Maricopa County are warning the public about an increasingly sophisticated scam targeting potential jurors. The scheme has already cost Arizona residents thousands of dollars, according to the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County.
Scammers are contacting residents by phone or email, pretending to be law enforcement officers. They falsely claim the recipient missed jury duty and face arrest or fines unless they pay immediately. The scammers often provide fake badge numbers, case numbers, and even manipulate caller ID to appear as though the calls are coming from legitimate law enforcement agencies.
“These scams have been happening for years, but they’re becoming more sophisticated,” said Tiana Burdick, interim jury administrator. “They now use real names and badge numbers and demand payment via prepaid cards, Bitcoin, or other untraceable methods.”
How to spot a jury scam
Officials say residents should remember that:
Courts never demand immediate payment by phone or email.
No legitimate government agency accepts gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers as payment.
The court does not ask for sensitive information such as Social Security numbers over the phone.
Anyone receiving a suspicious call should hang up immediately and report the scam to the jury office at (602) 506-5879 and the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
How missed jury duty is actually handled
The court only issues failure-to-appear notices through U.S. mail. Jurors may be asked to reschedule service or appear before a judge if fines are involved. If contact is made by the court, it may include a phone number — but it will never include threats or demands for money.
Arizona ranked fourth in the nation for imposter scams in 2024, with an estimated $766 million in reported losses, according to the FTC.
Jury service is a civic duty
All Maricopa County residents aged 18 and over who are U.S. citizens and have not been convicted of a felony (or have had their civil rights restored) are eligible for jury duty. Those over 75 may request exemption in writing, and anyone who serves is excused from duty for 18 months.
For more information on jury service or responding to a summons, visit: superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/jury.
