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Avoiding Scams That Claim Court Authority

If you have received a phone call or email asking you to provide personal information or send payment to avoid arrest or other penalty, it is a scam. Do not believe anyone who claims to be a court representative or U.S. Marshal if they ask you to send funds or threaten arrest. Verify the authority of any person purporting to be a court representative or U.S. Marshal. Do not agree to meet someone in the lobby of the courthouse or other location to give them funds or resolve a warrant or subpoena.

The Court will NOT do any of the following:

  • Require your social security or other personal information such as your mother's maiden name.
  • Require email submission of personal identifying information such as a social security number, or financial information such as a bank account number.
  • Serve a warrant by e-mail or fax. Valid warrants will always be served in person by a U.S. Marshal or other law enforcement officer.
  • Call, e-mail or send a fax to tell you a warrant has been issued.
  • Demand the payment of money in lieu of being arrested.
  • Request a prepaid money card or money transfer to post bail.
  • Demand via email or phone call verification of personal information, such as date of birth, social security number, or bank account information.

Scammers, claiming to be an officer or attorney of the U.S. government, have been contacting citizens and demanding payment of money or verification of personal information to avoid arrest. Scammers have also been sending official-looking jury forms or subpoenas or summons via email to citizens that ask for personal information (phishing). Calls and emails such as these are scams. Such emails may contain Trojan horses or viruses.

What Can You Do?

If you believe that you have been the victim of fraud or have received a scam phone call, phishing e-mail, or fax, contact your local police or sheriff department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (801-579-1400), and the United States Marshals Service (801-907-2501).

If you have any concerns about a communication that purports to be from the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, contact the court at 801-524-6100. Authorized information about jury duty is available on the court website.

2022 Press Release   U.S. Marshals Service Alert January 2017   2013 Press Release