Fraudsters posing as court personnel and police officers are targeting Fayette County residents with convincing jury duty scams that have drained thousands of dollars from victims, according to the Fayette Circuit Court administrator.
Dana Carter, court administrator for Fayette Circuit Court, notes that the court receives reports multiple times each month from local jurors who have been contacted by scammers claiming they missed jury service or face pending arrest warrants.
“These jurors are so afraid,” Carter said. “They get the calls that say, ‘Oh my gosh, there’s a warrant out for my arrest.'”
Carter explained that scammers frequently use the names of actual court staff and law enforcement officers, or invent fake case numbers to make their calls seem legitimate. They then pressure frightened residents into making immediate payments to steer clear of arrest or additional penalties.
These deceptive schemes have proven remarkably costly for some community members.
“We’ve had several jurors who lost several thousands of dollars for that, even this year,” Carter said.
During monthly jury orientation sessions, Carter routinely cautions prospective jurors about these tricks, reminding them that neither the judicial system nor law enforcement agencies will ever demand payments, credit card details, or fine settlements over the phone.
Yet despite these alerts, some people still fall into the trap.
Carter recalled one striking example involving a citizen who was actively serving on a jury when he received a fraudulent call demanding cash.
“He told me, ‘I just got so scared,’ Carter said. The juror reportedly withdrew nearly $3,000 from a convenience store location after fraudsters convinced him the threat was genuine.
Carter advises anyone who receives a suspicious call to hang up immediately and report the matter to local police.
Judicial officials emphasize that genuine court staff will never contact jurors by phone to demand money for missed service or to avoid arrest.