Americans across the country are receiving scam phone calls, e-mails, or correspondence threatening them with prosecution for failing to comply with jury service in federal or state courts. Recipients are threatened with fines and jail time if they do not provide confidential information such as social security, date of birth, bank accounts, and credit card information.

Most federal court contact will occur through U.S. mail or by e-mail, and any phone contact by real court officials will not include requests for sensitive information. Federal courts will not notify you of a warrant, nor demand payment of money in lieu of being arrested. It is a crime for anyone to falsely represent themselves as a federal court official. The federal judiciary takes seriously such an offense.

If you believe that you have been the victim of fraud or have received a scam phone call, phishing e-mail, fax, or other written correspondence, contact your local police department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation ( (800) 225-5324 or www.fbi.gov/tips), or the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.