News Item

New Judicial Scams Target Minnesotans

Posted: Thursday, June 26, 2025

The Minnesota Judicial Branch has become aware of several scams affecting Minnesotans.

The most recent scam texts OR calls Minnesotans, saying they have a warrant they must pay immediately. Although the text and call use the names of real judges and law enforcement officers, they are still fake. Neither the Minnesota Judicial Branch nor law enforcement will ever text or call you to demand money for a warrant.

Another scam also involves a text message. This one claims to be from the "Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles (DPSMN)" and demands payment for outstanding traffic tickets. The text says if payment isn't made within 24 hours, the recipent will have driving privileges and vehicle registration suspended. Again, neither the Minnesota Judicial Branch nor the Minnesota Department of Public Safety/Driver & Vehicle Services (DPS/DVS) will ever text you requesting payment for parking tickets.

If you received either of these texts, do NOT click on the link or give anyone your credit card or other financial information. Instead, delete the text. If you fell victim to the scam, file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

The other scam is a new twist to an old fraud about missing jury duty.

In this most recent jury duty scam, a Todd County resident received a telephone call from a “spoofed” number that appeared to be the Todd County court administration office. The scammer said the victim had missed jury duty and was facing a multi-thousand dollar fine. The scammer instructed the victim to drive to the local sheriff’s department, remaining on the line with the victim during the drive. When the victim arrived, the scammer told him to either to pay the “fine” with a credit card or go to jail for 72 hours. The scammer ended the call when the victim said he was going to walk into the sheriff’s department. The victim filed a report with the Todd County Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating.

"You will never receive a call from either the court or law enforcement demanding money for missing jury duty,” Minnesota Chief Justice Natalie Hudson said. “Jury service is an important civic duty and the cornerstone of our justice system, so these scams are particularly insidious because they not only target people, they undermine public trust and confidence in our courts.”

Jury scams make an appearance every few months. Although there can be consequences for failing to appear for jury duty, such as being summoned to explain your absence, the court will never call you to demand money or ask for your credit card or Social Security number.

The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides information about jury duty scams on its website at www.mncourts.gov/jury. A copy of an informational poster, previously distributed by the Judicial Branch, also can be found online.