13-05-2025
Denver sheriff warns residents to avoid jury duty text message scam
DENVER (KDVR) — The Denver Sheriff's Department is warning about a new text message scam that targets victims by saying they are being summoned to jury duty.
Major Michelle Kim told FOX31 that the scammers pose as officers of the court.
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'It's a trust factor and for some can also be intimidating,' she said.
The text tells victims they are required to make an appearance at Denver District Court, and even lists an address and phone number. The message warns that missing a court date may lead to a warrant for your arrest, but it offers a link for opting out.
'It can give them access to your information as well as your device,' said Kim.
The scammers typically send three texts to the same person. The first says, 'Have you made plans so you can attend your court date tomorrow?' The second offers a friendly reminder, and the third, a final reminder.
Kim reminds anyone receiving one of these texts that the Department would not use text messages for this type of notification.
'We at the Denver Sheriff's Department will never send a text message, we won't ever make any kind of phone calls requesting any kind of payment, and that is through the Colorado court system as well,' she said.
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FOX31 spoke to residents who say they are tired of being bombarded with all sorts of text message scams.
'I don't want to hear from them, it's terrible,' said one man who receives seven scam texts per day.
Kim says that regardless of the type of scam text, never click on links from unknown or suspicious senders. If you receive any text or email saying you have an issue with police or the courts, contact the courts find out if you have actually received a real jury summons, contact the Colorado Jury Commissioner's Office for Denver, denverjury@ or call 303-606-2305.
Report scams to the Colorado State Attorney General's office here. You may also call the Denver District Attorney's Office Fraud Hotline at 720-913-9179.
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