Wichita Police Warn of Jury Duty Scam Calls

Scammers demand payment through Bitcoin or gift cards to avoid arrest, authorities say.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:53pm

An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled gift card reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the predatory nature of a jury duty scam.A scam targeting Wichita residents' fears of legal consequences exposes the harsh reality of financial fraud.Wichita Today

The Wichita Police Department is alerting residents about a scam in which callers claim the recipient has an outstanding warrant or missed jury duty, demanding immediate payment through unconventional methods like Bitcoin or gift cards to avoid arrest. Police say they will never request payment over the phone or threaten arrest in this manner, and are urging people to hang up immediately and contact their local police station or municipal court to verify any such claims.

Why it matters

Jury duty scams are a common tactic used by criminals to try and extort money from unsuspecting victims. These types of scams can be particularly effective in preying on people's fears of legal consequences. By warning the public, the Wichita Police Department is helping to protect residents from falling victim to this type of financial fraud.

The details

According to the police advisory, scammers may demand payment through unconventional methods like Bitcoin or gift cards. The department stressed that they will never request payment over the phone or threaten arrest in this manner. Residents are advised to not engage with the callers, hang up immediately, and contact their local police station or municipal court to verify any claims.

  • The Wichita Police Department issued the public advisory on April 12, 2026.

The players

Wichita Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Wichita, Kansas that is warning residents about the jury duty scam calls.

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What’s next

Residents should remain vigilant for these types of scam calls and report any suspicious activity to the Wichita Police Department or their local authorities.

The takeaway

This scam highlights the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any calls claiming legal issues or demanding immediate payment. By spreading awareness, the Wichita Police Department is empowering residents to protect themselves from becoming victims of financial fraud.