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Jury Scam Information

In various parts of the United States, citizens are being targeted by phone calls and emails, threatening them with prosecution for failing to comply with jury service in federal or state courts.

In the calls and emails, recipients are pressured to provide confidential 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, are fraudulent and are not connected with the U.S. courts.

The Court will NOT do any of the following:

  1. The Court does not send or accept jury forms by e-mail. The Court's official forms may only be submitted by U.S. Mail or over the secure “eJuror” website.
  2. The Court does not serve a warrant by telephone, e-mail or fax. Valid warrants will always be served in person by a U.S. Marshal or other law enforcement officer.
  3. The Court does not call, e-mail, or send a fax to tell you a warrant has been issued.
  4. The Court does not demand the payment of money in lieu of being arrested. The Court does not call and request payment via prepaid credit cards. Although the law does permit the Court to order fines and other penalties for failing to appear for jury service, this will only happen after an in person hearing before a judge.
  5. The Court does not call, email, or send a fax requesting personal information such as a mother’s maiden name or bank account number.

What Can You Do?

To verify if a call or mailing regrading 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 believe that you have been the victim of fraud or have received a scam phone call, phishing e-mail, or fax, please contact your local police or sheriff's department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or the United States Marshals Service.

If you have any concerns about a communication that purports to be from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, please contact us at (515) 284-6248. More information about jury duty scams, including a video, is available on the U.S. Courts website.