Yuma County Alerts Residents To Jury Duty Scams, Clarifies Procedures

Yuma County officials have issued a public warning to residents after reports of fraudulent calls falsely claiming a failure to appear for jury duty and threatening arrest unless immediate payment is made. The county message details how scammers operate, which payment methods they ask for, and how residents can verify their status through official channels, an effort intended to protect consumers and preserve confidence in the judicial process.

According to the county guidance, scammers typically instruct targets to pay through gift cards, prepaid debit cards, Zelle, Venmo, or cryptocurrency. The county advises that anyone who receives such a call should hang up immediately, avoid providing personal information or payment, write down the caller number, and contact local law enforcement to file a complaint. For official verification or questions about juror status, residents are directed to contact the Yuma County Jury Office or use the county jury website.

Jury service in Yuma County is administered by the Clerk of the Superior Court, and prospective jurors may be summoned for Superior Court, Justice Courts, and Municipal Courts. The county provides an online juror questionnaire and specific instructions on reporting, postponement, selection, compensation, and eligibility. Basic eligibility requirements include being 18 years or older, a United States citizen, a resident of the jurisdiction that summoned the juror, not having been convicted of a felony unless civil rights have been restored, and not currently being found incompetent by a court.

Financial details in the county notice note a county paid jury fee of twelve dollars per day plus mileage reimbursement, and point to a potential earnings replacement through the Arizona Trial and Digital Evidence Fund. The county also maintains live jury updates and group details on its website so summoned jurors can check status and reporting instructions before presenting in person.

The local significance of the advisory is twofold. First, scams that exploit the threat of arrest can impose financial and psychological harm on victims and can erode trust in public institutions. Second, confusion or fear about jury summonses can reduce civic participation and complicate court operations that depend on a representative pool of jurors. By publishing clear eligibility rules, contact information, and steps for postponement, the county aims to make the process transparent and accessible.

Residents with juror questions can call the automated summons lines at (928) 817 4257 or (928) 817 4258, and can consult the official jury website at yumajury.az.gov for live instructions and updates. Local law enforcement can be contacted to report suspected scam activity. The county message reinforces that verification should be sought through these official channels before taking any action in response to a jury related call.