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Press Release

U.S. Attorney Mark Totten Warns Of Jury Service Scams

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Michigan

Law enforcement will not demand money over the phone

          GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Mark Totten today warned citizens in the Western District of Michigan of a prevalent scam. Citizens are being called and told they have warrants for failure to appear and contempt of court relating to failing to appear for jury service. Legitimate law enforcement will never ask for payment over the telephone to “post a bond” or “bond out” or for any other reason.

          “Scammers will do anything to rip off their victims — even impersonating law enforcement and court officials,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Be aware. Protect yourself. And don’t be afraid to end the call and contact the law enforcement agency directly to verify.”

          The callers will claim to be law enforcement officers or court staff and may provide names of real people or badge numbers. This is often information they have found on the internet. They may demand you pay them, often with gift cards or using a QR code. If you think you are being targeted by a scammer: 

  • Document as much as possible about the call (the caller’s name, telephone number, and information they provide, such as badge number, court or agency with which they claim to be affiliated, and so forth). These details will help you confirm the legitimacy of the claim and help with reporting scams to law enforcement.
  • Ask questions. Scammers subjected to ongoing interrogation may hang up and move on to an easier target. Do not worry if they hang up—it is a sign this was a scam. 
  • Remain calm. Call the court or law enforcement agency directly and see if you missed a summons or court date. Independently locate numbers for courts and law enforcement—do not call numbers the caller provides to you. 
  • Never give out sensitive information over the phone. 

Attempted jury scams can be reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Federal Trade Commission. For more information about these scams, please see: https://www.miwd.uscourts.gov/jury-scams.

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Updated January 21, 2025