Arizona Jury Duty Scam: What You Must Know

Does anyone answer their phone these days? Nearly every time I answer a call from a number I don't recognize, it's someone trying to separate me from my hard-earned money.

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Scammers are becoming more sophisticated. They use vague details to try to convince their victim to do something. If a scammer makes enough calls, eventually the details will convince someone they're telling the truth.

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Jury Duty Scam in Arizona

Arizonans are being targeted by scammers again. It's not a new scam, but it's making a resurgence. The caller claims you've missed jury duty or have an arrest warrant.

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These fraudsters can sound convincing, using real names, spoof court phone numbers, and pressure you to pay using Zelle, Venmo, or gift cards. It may sound legitimate, and even frightening, but here’s the truth: it’s a scam.

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What Arizona Courts Will Never Do

The court will never call to demand payment or threaten arrest.
They will only send a jury summons by U.S. Mail.
Any legal action (like fines or court appearances) will be given to you in writing and handled in open court.
Payments are never, ever demanded with gift cards or digital payment apps.

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Signs You’re Talking to a Scammer

The U.S. District Court for Arizona doesn't use scam tactics for payments. If you get one of these calls, don’t panic, and whatever you do, don’t share personal information. Hang up.

Steps to Take After a Scam Call

Do not share personal or financial information with these callers.
To verify jury duty status, contact the jury office at (602) 322-7278.
For general inquiries, call (602) 322-7200 (Phoenix) or (520) 205-4200 (Tucson).
Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission.

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How to Report Jury Duty Scams

Scammers thrive on urgency and fear. If you're nervous and rattled, they use your emotional state to try to manipulate the situation. Knowledge is power, so staying calm is your best defense. You can and should hang up.

Beware! This Unscrupulous Scam is Targeting Arizonans

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Let your friends and family know about this scam, especially older friends and relatives who might be more vulnerable to these tactics.

Arizona’s courts are not here to shake you down, and they never behave the way scammers operate. When in doubt, always verify with a known, trusted source.

Sources: Federal Trade Commission | U.S. District Court for Arizona

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