If you get a call claiming you missed jury duty and now owe money, hang up. That’s the blunt warning Colorado’s Judicial Branch is giving locals as scammers dial up their deceit.

The Call That Triggers Panic

It starts like any other day. Your phone rings — an unknown number. A calm but stern voice tells you you’ve failed to show up for jury duty. You feel your stomach drop. Did you? The caller sounds official, maybe even gives you a badge number. Then comes the kicker: pay now, or face arrest.

This is exactly the trap that’s been catching unsuspecting Coloradans off guard lately. Officials say this scam has been circulating across the state, pulling at the nerves of everyday folks who genuinely don’t want legal trouble.

What Officials Are Saying

Colorado’s Judicial Branch didn’t mince words in its recent statement. They stressed that courts or law enforcement would never call demanding money for missing jury duty.

One notice might show up in your mailbox — usually labeled “failure to appear notice” — but that’s where it ends. No menacing calls, no threats, no demands for prepaid cards or wire transfers.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said one local court clerk who’s been fielding calls from worried residents. “People are so scared they’ll do anything to stay out of trouble. That fear is what these scammers feed on.”

Real People, Real Losses

Scams like this aren’t exactly new. But they’re getting more polished — and that’s the worrying bit.

John Miller, a retired teacher in Grand Junction, shared how he nearly forked over $500 before his daughter stepped in. “They said there was a warrant for my arrest. I just froze,” he admitted. “If my daughter hadn’t been there, I’d be out a chunk of my savings.”

Sadly, not everyone gets that lucky. Officials haven’t released statewide numbers yet, but similar scams in other states have cost victims thousands.

The Telltale Signs

So how do you spot these fraudsters before they get your cash? Officials say there are some classic red flags:

• Calls demanding payment over the phone for missed jury duty.

• Threats of immediate arrest if you don’t comply.

• Requests for wire transfers, prepaid cards, or gift cards.

One sheriff’s deputy said, “No legit court or law enforcement agency works that way. If they want your attention, they’ll send certified mail or serve papers in person.”

It’s a simple truth: fear is their weapon.

Numbers Tell The Story

Here’s a look at some data on phone scams in Colorado, based on recent fraud reports:

The trend is clear: it’s climbing. And with each new tactic, scammers get better at sounding legitimate.

Who To Call If You’re Targeted

Only one sentence here: Don’t suffer in silence.

If you think you’ve been targeted, local law enforcement urges you to report it. Here’s who you should reach out to:

• Your local Sheriff’s Office.

• The Colorado Attorney General’s Office online.

It may feel embarrassing to admit you almost fell for it — but reporting it could stop the next person from losing their rent money.

Why This Scam Works So Well

Fear and urgency — that’s the deadly combo.

One moment you’re sipping coffee, the next you’re scrambling to find your credit card. A scammer’s script is designed to make you panic so you don’t pause and think.

Even smart, cautious people get roped in. The scam works across all ages and backgrounds.

“Scammers know how to sound real,” said the AG’s office spokesperson. “They use legal jargon, sometimes spoof caller IDs to show the court’s number. It’s sophisticated.”

Communities Fighting Back

But not everyone’s taking this lying down.

Some Colorado counties have stepped up public awareness. Posters in courthouses, local news alerts, even community workshops are helping folks stay ahead of these tricksters.

One county clerk said they’re printing thousands of flyers for libraries, senior centers, and grocery stores. “We have to stay louder than the scammers,” she said.

A Little Skepticism Helps

Here’s a single-sentence paragraph: Better safe than sorry.

If you get a call claiming you owe for jury duty, pause. Take a breath. Then check with your local courthouse directly — using a number from their official website, not the number that called you.

And remember, they will never ask you to pay over the phone. Ever.

Final Thought From Officials

While this scam keeps morphing, the advice stays the same: verify before you pay.

If you get that call, hang up. Talk to your family. Report it. One more scam foiled means one less person out there losing their peace of mind — and their money.