Members of the public have recently reported several telephone scams purporting to concern Court business. The scammers often spoof the telephone number of the Clerk of Court’s office or other Court personnel so that the call will appear legitimate on Caller ID screens. The callers sometimes identify themselves as a judge or law enforcement official or claim to be calling on their behalf. They may recite a purported case number or citation number. The scammer may know some basic personal information like your name, address, and personal cell phone number.

Recent scam reports include the following false claims:

• The caller falsely claims that you missed jury service and are now subject to an arrest warrant. The caller demands payment of a fee to avoid arrest.
• The caller falsely claims that you missed a court hearing pursuant to a subpoena and are now subject to an order of contempt. The caller demands payment to resolve the issue.
• The caller falsely claims that you owe money or failed to take some action with regard to expert testimony. The caller demands payment to resolve the issue.

If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to discuss Court business, keep in mind that:

1. The Court does not serve a warrant by telephone, e-mail, or fax. Valid warrants will always be served in person by a U.S. Marshal or other law enforcement officer.
2. The Court does not call, e-mail, or send a fax to tell you a warrant has been issued or that you have been held in contempt of court.
3. The Court does not demand the payment of money in lieu of being arrested or to resolve missed hearings, orders of contempt, or missed jury service. The Court does not call and request payment via prepaid credit cards. Although the law does permit the Court to order fines and other penalties for failing to appear for jury service, this will only happen after an in-person hearing before a judge.
4. The Court does not call, email, or send a fax requesting personal information such as a mother’s maiden name or bank account number.

What Can You Do?

If you receive a suspicious call purporting to concern Court business, ask as many questions as you can and take careful notes. Do not give the caller any information or make any payments. Then hang up with the caller and contact the Court directly at (504) 589-7650 to inquire if the call was legitimate. 

Be wary about providing payment information over the phone, especially if you did not initiate the call to a number that you independently verified (i.e., don’t trust a phone number provided by a caller).

The United States Marshals Service has issued a press release regarding juror scams in particular.

If you believe that you have been the victim of fraud or have received a scam phone call, phishing e-mail, or fax, contact your local police or sheriff's department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (504-816-3000), or the United States Marshals Service (504-589-6079).

If you have any concerns about a communication that purports to be from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, contact us at 504-589-7650. More information about jury-duty scams, including a video, is available on the U.S. Courts website.