Can police text me an arrest warrant for missing jury duty?

No. Real law enforcement will never text or email you an arrest warrant.

Can I pay a jury duty fine with a payment app or gift card?

No. Only scammers insist you pay with a payment app, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or a wire transfer.

Scam teardown

By Lajhem Cambridge, Founder of Lorna · Published Oct 25, 2026

Quick answer

Real law enforcement won't text you a warrant or call to threaten arrest, and courts never demand payment by phone. Hang up and don't pay.

Has a text like this followed a call?

Text message

+1 (415) 555-0172

NOTICE OF WARRANT: Failure to appear for jury service. Fine due: $1,850¹. Pay today by payment app² to avoid arrest³: [attached warrant.pdf]

1 · A warrant by text2 · Pay only by app3 · Arrest threat

The warrant looks real. Real courts don't work this way.

1
A warrant sent by text or email. Real law enforcement will never text or email you an arrest warrant. The caller may already know your name or address to make it feel real.
2
A call threatening arrest. Even if caller ID shows your local police or the U.S. Marshals, real officers won't call to say they'll arrest you, or threaten you if you hang up.
3
Pay now, and only one way. Courts never demand payment over the phone. Only scammers say you can only pay with a payment app, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or a wire transfer.

Your calm next step

Hang up and don't pay.

Not sure?

Text Lorna a screenshot before you pay anything. Lorna will help you check if it's real.

Wed4Nov

2:00-3:00 PM PT · SF Treasurer's Office

In person · Mission Bay Branch Library, San FranciscoStaying safe onlineGood for: Parents

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