Members of the public are being targeted by phone calls, text messages, and e-mails that threaten prosecution or fines for failing to respond to a jury summons or subpoena or failing to appear for a proceeding. These communications are fraudulent and are not connected with the federal courts. 

Recipients of such communications are pressured to provide confidential data such as banking information or to provide payment in the form of gift cards, credit cards, or similar to cover an alleged fine or remove an alleged warrant. Recipients are threatened with fines and jail time if they do not comply.

Members of the public are urged to learn to recognize and avoid such scams by watching for their hallmarks: demands for urgent action, requests for personal and/or financial information, or offers that are too good to be true.

Most contact between a District of Oregon court staff member and prospective juror or other member of the public will be through the U.S. mail or by e-mail, and any telephone contact by real court officials will not include requests for sensitive information. Federal officials do not demand payment of money in lieu of being arrested. Federal courts will also not serve a warrant or notify you of a warrant by e-mail, phone, or fax. If in doubt regarding a communication purporting to be from the District of Oregon, contact us for accurate information.

It is a crime for anyone to falsely represent a federal court official.  The federal judiciary takes such offenses seriously. If you believe that you have been the victim of fraud or have received a scam phone call, text, phishing e-mail, or fax, contact your local police department or the United States Marshals Service (503-326-2209 or www.usmarshals.gov/district/or/).