Minnesota Judicial Branch Urges Awareness of Jury Duty Scams

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Minnesota Judicial Branch Urges Awareness of Jury Duty Scams

Posted: Thursday, May 29, 2025

A new twist to an old scam is prompting the Minnesota Judicial Branch to remind people that courts will never ask for money if you miss jury duty.

"You will never receive a call from either the court or law enforcement demanding money for missing jury duty,” Minnesota Chief Justice Natalie Hudson said. “Jury service is an important civic duty and the cornerstone of our justice system, so these scams are particularly insidious because they not only target people, they undermine public trust and confidence in our courts.”

In the most recent jury duty scam, a Todd County resident received a telephone call from a “spoofed” number that appeared to be the Todd County court administration office. The scammer said the victim had missed jury duty and was facing a multi-thousand dollar fine. The scammer instructed the victim to drive to the local sheriff’s department, remaining on the line with the victim during the drive. When the victim arrived, the scammer told him to either to pay the “fine” with a credit card or go to jail for 72 hours. The scammer ended the call when the victim said he was going to walk into the sheriff’s department.

The victim filed a report with the Todd County Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating.

Jury scams like this one make an appearance every few months. Although there can be consequences for failing to appear for jury duty, such as being summoned to explain your absence, the court will never call you to demand money or ask for your credit card or Social Security number.

The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides information about jury duty scams on its website at www.mncourts.gov/jury. A copy of an informational poster, previously distributed by the Judicial Branch, also can be found online.