In various parts of the United States, including the Southern District of Iowa, citizens are being targeted by telephone calls and emails, threatening them with penalties and possible prosecution for failing to comply with jury service requirements in both federal or state courts.

In the calls and emails, recipients are pressured to provide confidential information and data, potentially leading to identity theft and fraud. These calls and emails, which threaten recipients with fines and jail time if they do not comply with demands, are fraudulent and are not connected with the U.S. courts.

Federal courts do not require anyone to provide any sensitive information in a telephone call or email. Most contact between a federal court and a prospective juror will be through the U.S. mail, and any telephone contact by legitimate court officials will not include requests for Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, or any other personal or financial information. Persons receiving such telephone calls or emails should not provide the requested information.

Jury duty is a vital civic responsibility and should be taken seriously by all citizens. To verify if a call or mailing involving jury service came from the U.S. District Court, please call our office directly at (515) 284-6270, during normal business hours, to speak with the Jury Specialist.

If you received a phishing telephone call or email about federal jury service and reside withing the Southern District of Iowa, you should report the information to the United States Marshals Service for the Southern District of Iowa, at 515-284-6240, or your local law enforcement agency.