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COMMUNITY ALERT: Anoka County Residents Warned of Sophisticated Jury Duty Phone Scam
ANOKA, MN — Minnesota residents — particularly those in Anoka County — are being urged to remain vigilant as a sophisticated and increasingly common jury-duty phone scam continues to target households statewide. Officials from Anoka County and the Minnesota Judicial Branch have confirmed a surge in reports involving callers impersonating court personnel or law enforcement officers in an attempt to extort money from unsuspecting residents.
The scam exploits both fear and technology. Using polished scripts and spoofed caller IDs that appear to originate from legitimate government agencies, callers claim the recipient has failed to appear for jury duty and now faces immediate arrest unless a “fine” is paid. These claims are entirely false.
How the Scam Operates
Caller ID Spoofing
Scammers frequently manipulate caller ID systems to display what appear to be authentic numbers from the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, local police departments, or Minnesota District Courts. This tactic increases the perceived legitimacy of the call and pressures victims to comply.
Threats of Arrest
Posing as a deputy sheriff, court clerk, or warrant officer, the caller claims a bench warrant has been issued for the recipient’s arrest due to failure to appear for jury service. Some callers even cite fabricated case numbers or judge names to appear more credible.
Demand for Immediate Payment
To “clear the warrant,” victims are instructed to provide credit card information or make immediate payments using prepaid gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps, or cryptocurrency — all red flags of fraudulent activity.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch emphasizes that no court in the state contacts residents by phone to demand payment for missed jury duty, nor do they threaten immediate arrest in such situations.
How to Verify It’s a Scam
Officials note that distinguishing between legitimate court communication and fraudulent calls is straightforward once residents know the signs:
- Real jury summonses are mailed through the U.S. Postal Service. Courts do not initiate jury-related contact by phone, text, or email.
- Courts never demand payment over the phone for missed jury service.
- There is no threat of immediate arrest by phone. Valid legal notices follow formal, documented procedures.
- Court staff do not request personal financial data, such as credit card numbers, bank details, or Social Security numbers.
These practices are consistent across the Minnesota Judicial Branch and Minnesota law enforcement agencies.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call
Residents who encounter a call fitting this pattern should take the following steps:
1. Hang Up Immediately
Do not engage with the caller, press buttons, or follow instructions.
2. Protect Your Personal Information
Never provide your Social Security number, banking details, credit card information, or other sensitive data.
3. Verify Independently
If you have any concern regarding your jury status, look up the correct court number on an official government website or from a printed jury summons you previously received.
Do not use any phone number provided by the caller.
4. Report the Incident
Notify your local law enforcement agency of the attempted scam. Timely reporting helps authorities track trends and warn other residents.
Official Contacts for Anoka County Residents
For questions about jury service or to verify the authenticity of any communication:
- Anoka County Jury Office: 763-760-6583
- Anoka County District Court Administration: 763-760-6700
A Reminder from the Courts
The Minnesota Judicial Branch underscores that while jury service is a vital civic duty, legitimate court business is conducted through structured, formal channels — never through alarming phone calls, demands for payment, or threats of arrest.
Residents are encouraged to remain cautious, share this information with family members — especially seniors, who are often targeted — and report any suspicious activity.
