HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary is warning the public about the ongoing threat of scammers impersonating law enforcement officials and Judiciary employees in a ploy to deceive individuals regarding jury duty obligations.
According to the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary, scammers are falsely claiming that individuals have warrants for their arrest due to failing to appear for jury duty. Emphasizing the deceptive nature of these tactics, the Judiciary stated, "The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary is warning the public that scammers continue to pose as police officers, sheriffs, and Judiciary employees claiming that there is a warrant for your arrest for failing to appear for jury duty. This is a scam."
Individuals are advised to exercise caution and vigilance if they receive any suspicious communications. The Judiciary advised, "If you get a phone call regarding a warrant for failure to appear for jury duty, hang up without responding to any questions or pressing any numbers you may be asked to press." Furthermore, recipients of unsolicited emails purporting to be from the Judiciary are instructed to refrain from clicking on any links or attachments and to delete the email promptly. The Judiciary specified, "If you get an email that looks to be from the Judiciary, but you did not email us first, do not click on any links or attachments, and do not reply. Delete it immediately."
Clarifying the official procedures followed by the Judiciary, it was emphasized that legitimate communications concerning jury duty matters are primarily conducted via traditional mail services. The Judiciary reaffirmed, "The Judiciary wants the public to know that court staff or law enforcement do not call or email anyone regarding outstanding bench warrants related to jury duty." It was further noted, "Generally all communication from the Judiciary regarding jury service is handled through the U.S. mail, unless you called or emailed the Judiciary first with a specific question."
In light of these persistent fraudulent schemes, the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary urges the public to remain cautious and informed to avoid falling victim to such scams.