The City of Denton is cautioning its inhabitants about a scheme as old as the tactic of fear itself—scammers posing as authority figures threatening arrest for missed jury duty, then demanding payment. Craftiness evolves with technology, but the game remains recognizably the same: prey on respect for law, then exploit it.
In these scam calls, the con artists sound authentic, dropping the names of real law enforcement officers and spoofing phone numbers that appear legitimate. They assert that recipients have shirked their civic duty and, to avoid the slamming of a cell door, must pay a fine immediately through means that raise red flags—gift cards, wire transfers, or cash apps. The City warns, you will never be asked to pay a fine over the phone for missed jury duty.
A legitimate government entity will not demand payment or personal information over the phone as a means to dodge arrest. The City of Denton's press release clearly advises: "If you think a call or message could be real, check the court's website for jury duty information or call the court directly at a number you know is correct."
Residents are urged not to engage if they receive such calls or messages. Instead of responding or offering up personal details, they should verify any claims of jury duty independently. According to a press release from Dustin Sternbeck, per the City of Denton, "Never give out personal or financial information to unsolicited callers." Reports of these scams should be made immediately to local law enforcement.
