Idaho Residents Targeted by Jury Duty Scam Claiming False Warrants

Idaho residents are facing a wave of sophisticated scam operations falsely claiming they’ve missed jury duty and now have arrest warrants, according to Twin Falls County officials.

Amanda Main, Twin Falls County jury commissioner, confirmed that people throughout the state have been targeted with fraudulent phone calls and text messages demanding immediate payment to resolve supposed warrants issued for failing to appear for jury service.

“People are getting contacted within our community about having warrants out for missing jury duty and they’re asking for payments over the phone,” Main explained.

These scams exploit public fear of legal consequences while attempting to extract money or personal information. Main emphasized that the county’s legitimate jury notification process follows strict protocols that scammers typically cannot duplicate.

“It goes through the mail and it is a very long, bold piece of paper stating that it is a jury summons. That is one thing to look out for,” she said, describing the official documentation citizens would receive.

The timing of these scams coincides with a national uptick in judiciary-related fraud schemes. Law enforcement agencies across multiple states have reported similar patterns, where criminals impersonate court officials to create a sense of urgency and panic among potential victims.

Main outlined several warning signs that Idaho residents should recognize to protect themselves. “If they’re asking for personal information over the phone or stating that you have a warrant out for your arrest for not appearing for jury duty, it’s typically a scam,” she cautioned.

Another critical detail is that county jury offices only communicate via text message with individuals who have previously provided their contact information and consented to this form of communication. Unsolicited text messages claiming to be from jury services should be treated with extreme suspicion.

While these scams have no legitimate connection to the court system, Main reminded residents that genuine jury duty is a serious civic responsibility with real consequences for non-compliance. “You can be fined $500 and spend up to five days in jail for missing jury duty,” she noted.

The Idaho Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division has previously warned about similar jury duty scams, noting that criminals often target elderly residents or those unfamiliar with court procedures. These scammers frequently request payment through difficult-to-trace methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

Court officials throughout Idaho emphasize that legitimate courts will never demand payment over the phone or through text messages. Any financial penalties for missed jury duty would occur only after formal court proceedings, with proper documentation and the opportunity to explain one’s absence.

Main encouraged residents who receive suspicious communications to contact her office directly to verify legitimacy. “Sometimes it’s hard to tell if it’s a scam,” she acknowledged, highlighting the increasingly sophisticated nature of these fraudulent operations.

Law enforcement officials recommend that residents who encounter these scams report them to local police and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. They also advise never providing personal information or making payments to unverified callers, regardless of how official or threatening they may sound.

The Idaho Judicial Branch maintains a dedicated webpage explaining legitimate jury procedures, which can serve as a reference point for citizens uncertain about communications they receive regarding jury service.

As these scams continue to evolve, officials stress the importance of community awareness and caution when dealing with unexpected communications about legal matters, particularly those demanding immediate financial action.