The FTC says scammers threaten arrest for missed jury duty and send fake warrant documents by text or email. The messages often instruct victims to pay using apps, crypto, wire transfers, or gift cards.

The FTC issued guidance about a scam in which criminals impersonate government authorities and claim the recipient missed jury duty. After the initial contact, fraudsters escalate the pressure by threatening arrest and sending fraudulent “warrant” paperwork via text and email. These messages are designed to look urgent and official, but the FTC stresses that authentic law-enforcement actions do not work this way. According to the FTC, the key scam mechanics include coercive arrest threats, fake documentation, and payment demands that push victims to use hard-to-reverse methods. Victims may be told to pay to avoid arrest, sometimes through payment apps, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards. The scammers may also try to convince the victim that ignoring the message will lead to immediate legal consequences. The FTC’s warning highlights that real authorities do not text/email arrest warrants and do not demand money by phone to resolve alleged legal failures. If a message claims you face arrest and includes payment instructions, it should be treated as a likely impersonation attempt rather than a legitimate notice.