BOISE, ID — The Idaho Judicial Branch is warning Idaho residents about ongoing scams involving false claims related to jury duty and court appearances.

According to court officials, scammers are contacting people by phone, text message, or email, claiming the recipient failed to appear for jury duty or has an outstanding warrant. The messages often demand payment of fines or request personal identifying information.

The Judicial Branch emphasized that Idaho state courts do not issue jury summonses, arrest warrants, or payment requests electronically. While some jurors may receive electronic messages if they previously provided contact information to a county jury commissioner, those messages will never request personal information or payment.

Residents who receive messages claiming to be from court officials or law enforcement are advised not to respond, send money, provide personal details, or open any links or attachments. Officials also noted that government agencies will never request payment using gift cards or cryptocurrency.

Anyone unsure whether a court-related message is legitimate should contact the court directly using publicly available contact information.