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​Kitsap County District Court

Scam Information 

Common Court-Related Scams:

  1.  Jury Duty Scams: Scammers pose as court officials or law enforcement officers, claiming that you have missed jury duty and must pay a fine immediately to avoid arrest. They may use real names of officials and spoof caller IDs to appear legitimate. Remember, courts do not request personal information or payments over the phone or via email.

  2.  Arrest Warrant Scams: Similar to jury duty scams, these involve fraudsters informing you of an outstanding warrant for your arrest due to supposed legal infractions, demanding payment to resolve the issue.

  3.  Digital Arrest Scams: In this scheme, scammers contact victims through digital platforms, accusing them of crimes like money laundering or cyber offenses. They coerce victims into transferring money to avoid legal action.

Recent Incidents:

  • In Connecticut, residents have been targeted by scammers claiming they missed jury duty, threatening fines or jail time. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection emphasized that legitimate jury administrators do not request payments over the phone or email.

  • A 62-year-old woman was deceived by a caller posing as a sheriff's office member, leading her to lose her $50,000 life savings under the pretense of missed court hearings and escalating fines.

Protective Measures:

  • Verify Communications: If you receive unsolicited calls or emails claiming to be from the court or law enforcement, do not provide personal information or make payments. Contact the court directly using official contact information to verify the claims.

  • Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Requests: Courts typically communicate through official mail, not phone calls or emails demanding immediate action.

  • Report Suspicious Activity: Inform your local law enforcement agency about any suspected scams.

  • Stay Informed: Regularly check official court websites and trusted news sources for updates on prevalent scams. By remaining vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.