For Immediate Release
February 12, 2025
Media Contact: Damon Sidur
BOISE, ID — Attorney General Raúl Labrador, joined by the Idaho Judicial Branch, the Idaho Sheriffs’ Association, and the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association, issued a renewed consumer alert today warning Idahoans about jury duty scams that continue to surge across the state.
The scam claims recipients have missed jury duty and if they don’t immediately pay a fine, they could be arrested by local authorities or subject to costs and penalties. As with many scams, criminals attempt to scare victims into making a payment, often through a link or QR code, or more recently, depositing money into a cryptocurrency ATM.
“Sheriff’s offices, prosecutors, and courts across Idaho are getting hammered with reports from families who’ve been targeted by these fake court scams,” said Attorney General Labrador. “These criminals are targeting Idahoans with threats of immediate arrest and demands for payment. We’ve joined with Idaho courts, sheriffs, and prosecutors statewide to cut through the confusion and make sure families can protect themselves from these attacks.”
Idaho courts do not send court summons, warrants for arrest, or requests for court fees electronically. Often, scammers fake their caller ID, and make texts and emails look official by using correct logos, emblems, and addresses. They may even include names of local sheriffs, judges, and court staff to appear authentic. Many scam operations are professionally organized overseas and make billions of dollars by preying on unsuspecting consumers.
“Some counties may offer text or email reminders about upcoming jury service if a juror has provided their email or number on their juror questionnaire,” said Pete Barnes, jury commissioner for Kootenai County. “But these are basic reminders and will never include instructions to open a link or send fees or personal information.”
“Scammers are increasingly targeting Idahoans by posing as court officials and threatening fines or arrest for missed jury duty,” stated Idaho Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director Jeff Lavey. “Courts will never demand payment over the phone, request gift cards, or pressure you for immediate personal or financial information. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact your local court directly using a verified number. We urge all residents to stay alert, verify before acting, and report suspected scams to local law enforcement so we can protect our communities.”
If you receive a suspicious message about jury matters:
- Do not send any form of payment or provide any personal information
- Do not open any links or attachments provided
- Do not reply to the sender or any email or phone number included in the message
Government officials will never ask you to pay bail, fines or other court costs using gift cards or cryptocurrency.
“As County Prosecutors, we understand that juror service lies at the very heart of our criminal justice system. It is appalling to see scammers take advantage of this critical civil duty to extort people for money,” said Brian Naugle, Executive Director of the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association. “Please remember that you will never be ordered to pay any fine or accept any punishment that is not handed down by a Court of law and you always have a right to be heard. When in doubt, reach out to your local county officials before paying any fines or fees.”
If you’re unsure whether a message or call is authentic, contact your county jury commissioner to verify using their publicly available contact information – do not rely on the contact information provided in the message. The Idaho state courts maintain a courthouse directory here.
If you have been the victim of a scam or fraud, report it immediately at ReportScamsIdaho.com or contact local law enforcement.
About Raúl Labrador
Raúl Labrador is the 33rd Attorney General of Idaho. The Office of the Attorney General provides legal representation for the State of Idaho. This representation is furnished to state agencies, offices and boards in the furtherance of the state's legal interests. The office is part of state government’s executive branch and its duties are laid out in the Idaho Constitution.
