BOISE, ID – Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is cautioning residents about a surge in text, phone, and email scams falsely claiming individuals have missed jury duty and must pay an immediate fine to avoid arrest, according to a consumer alert issued Wednesday.
The scam attempts to pressure victims—often older adults—into paying fraudulent fees through links or QR codes. Some messages mimic official communications using real logos, court staff names, or references to local law enforcement.
“Idahoans – particularly senior citizens – are frequent victims of these criminal scams,” Labrador said in the alert. “Seniors are targeted for millions each year, and the best defense is consumer awareness and prevention education. Always be smarter than the scam and don’t let fear drive any of your decisions.”
Officials emphasized that Idaho courts do not contact residents by text, do not demand payments through links, and do not threaten fines or arrest warrants over the phone for unpaid fees. Anyone receiving such a message is urged not to reply and to hang up immediately.
The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division shared several tips to avoid falling victim:
- Never pay through an unfamiliar link sent by text or email.
- Treat requests for payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency as major red flags.
- Be cautious of messages that attempt to create panic, urgency, or fear.
Idahoans who believe they have been targeted or victimized by a scam can access complaint forms and consumer protection resources at ReportScamsIdaho.com.
