Idaho Officials Warn of Surge in Jury Duty Scams

Scammers are targeting families across the state with fake claims of missed jury duty and demands for immediate payment.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Idaho Attorney General's Office, Idaho Judicial Branch, Idaho Sheriffs' Association, and Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association have issued a joint warning about a surge in jury duty scams targeting residents across the state. Scammers are contacting Idahoans claiming they missed jury duty and must immediately pay a fine to avoid arrest or additional penalties, often directing victims to make payments through links, QR codes, or cryptocurrency ATMs.

Why it matters

These scams are causing significant confusion and financial losses for Idaho families. State officials emphasize that legitimate jury summonses, arrest warrants, or requests for court fees will never be sent electronically or demand immediate payment over the phone.

The details

According to the release, scammers are spoofing caller IDs and using official logos or the names of local judges, sheriffs, or court staff to appear legitimate. The coalition advises residents not to send money, click links, open attachments, or reply to suspicious jury-related messages, and instead to contact their county jury commissioner directly using publicly listed contact information.

  • The Idaho Attorney General's Office issued the warning on February 12, 2026.

The players

Raúl R. Labrador

The Idaho Attorney General who is joining state and local officials to warn Idaho residents about the jury duty scams.

Idaho Attorney General's Office

The state agency that issued the warning about the surge in jury duty scams targeting Idaho families.

Idaho Judicial Branch

The state judicial system that is partnering with the Attorney General's Office and other agencies to raise awareness about the scams.

Idaho Sheriffs' Association

The association of county sheriffs in Idaho that is part of the coalition warning about the jury duty scams.

Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association

The association of county prosecutors in Idaho that is collaborating with the other agencies on the jury duty scam warning.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Sheriff's offices, prosecutors, and courts across Idaho are getting hammered with reports from families who've been targeted by these fake court scams.”

— Raúl R. Labrador, Idaho Attorney General (Press release)

“We aim to cut through the confusion and help families protect themselves.”

— Raúl R. Labrador, Idaho Attorney General (Press release)

What’s next

Officials encouraged victims of scams to report incidents to local law enforcement or through the state's online reporting system at ReportScamsIdaho.com.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat of sophisticated phone and online scams targeting vulnerable populations, underscoring the importance of public awareness campaigns and robust reporting systems to combat these crimes and protect Idaho families.