Court Warns of Bitcoin Payment Scam for Missed Jury Duty
Scammers have been forging arrest warrants for failing to appear for jury duty and asking victims to pay in Bitcoin or gift cards. They create fake documents that resemble official court documents and include urgent threats to exploit victims’ fears of arrest.
Fake Arrest Warrant Warning
On March 21, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia announced a fraud scheme involving fake arrest warrants circulating in the area. Scammers are targeting people who have allegedly missed jury duty, using fake documents that resemble official U.S. District Court forms and falsely claiming the case involves the Eastern District of Virginia.
The scammers instruct victims to send money through payment methods that are difficult to trace or reverse, according to the court statement. These methods include Bitcoin, gift cards, or providing bank account information.
The court emphasized that U.S. District Courts will never issue a warrant for missed jury duty unless you have actually been summoned and failed to appear. This scam exploits the fear of legal consequences, presenting fake documents and demanding immediate payment under the threat of arrest.
Court Advice
The court recommends that anyone who receives suspicious documents, especially those requesting payment in Bitcoin, gift cards, or over the phone, contact the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia directly to verify their authenticity.
If you receive a warrant or related documents purporting to be from the U.S. District Court and requesting payment, especially in Bitcoin or gift cards, contact the court immediately to verify their legitimacy.
Similar scams are on the rise nationwide, and authorities warn the public not to share financial information with subjects making unwanted legal threats.