Puyallup police are warning that scammers are bombarding locals with calls, texts and emails claiming they missed jury duty and must pay up immediately to avoid arrest. The department says the messages are flat-out fraudulent and stresses that officials will not call to demand payment. Instead, residents are being urged to hang up, delete the message and never share personal or financial information with unsolicited callers.
🚨 PSA from the Puyallup Police Department 🚨
— Puyallup Police (@PuyallupPD) June 18, 2026
We have recently received reports of scammers contacting community members by phone, text message, and email, claiming they missed jury duty and are facing arrest unless they make an immediate payment.
This is a scam!
Puyallup Police Posted The Warning On X
In a post on X, Puyallup Police told residents that scammers are working the phones, text messages and email inboxes, insisting people skipped jury duty and face arrest unless they pay immediately. The department calls it exactly what it is: a scam, and asks people to disengage, delete any messages and not respond to the sender at all.
How The Scheme Works
Scammers lean on fear and urgency to push victims into quick decisions. They spoof local phone numbers, pose as court or law enforcement staff and demand payment through methods such as gift cards, cryptocurrency or mobile payment apps. The FTC recently issued a consumer alert warning that calls, texts and emails threatening arrest for missing jury duty are part of a growing scam trend. Consumer groups including AARP report that scammers may even email fake-looking warrants or press people to give up sensitive information such as bank or Social Security numbers.
Local Context And Official Guidance
Pierce County Superior Court advises that courts will not call, text or email to demand payment for missed jury service and directs anyone who wants to double-check a summons to contact jury administration directly. Pierce County lists contact numbers for jury administration and recommends that people who have already paid scammers report it to local law enforcement. Meanwhile, Washington State Courts maintains a statewide scam alert that offers similar advice and resources for victims.
Steps To Protect Yourself
If you get one of these calls or messages, hang up right away and do not share any personal information. Instead, verify your jury status directly with the court using a phone number from an official government website. If you have already paid money or shared account details, contact your bank immediately and file a complaint through the FTC. You should also report the incident to your local police department so investigators can look for patterns and try to disrupt the scammers’ operations.
Share The Warning
Puyallup Police are asking residents to help shield friends, family and neighbors by spreading the word and reporting any suspicious contacts. When something feels off, officials urge people to rely on verified court or government websites to confirm a jury summons rather than trusting a caller, text or email.
