'Pay to Avoid a Warrant/Subpoena' Scam
A caller says there's a warrant or subpoena against you (missed jury duty, ignored a subpoena, a lawsuit) and demands immediate payment to avoid arrest.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
Similar to the jury-duty and fake-police scams, a caller claims a warrant or subpoena has been issued because you missed court, ignored a legal notice, or are named in a lawsuit, and that you must pay a fine or bond immediately — by gift card, wire, or crypto — to avoid arrest. Courts and law enforcement do not call to collect payment to cancel a warrant, do not take gift cards, and issue legal process in writing. The fear of arrest is the leverage.
What it usually looks like
- A call about a warrant/subpoena and threatened arrest.
- A demand to pay a fine/bond immediately.
- Payment by gift card, wire, or crypto.
- A pretext like missed jury duty or an ignored subpoena.
Common warning signs
- Courts/police 'collecting' payment by phone to avoid arrest.
- Gift-card, wire, or crypto demands.
- Pressure not to hang up or tell anyone.
- Threats and urgency.
Example wording scammers use
“A bench warrant has been issued for ignoring a subpoena. Pay the $750 bond now to avoid arrest.”
“Stay on the line and purchase gift cards to clear the warrant.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Immediate untraceable payment.
- To exploit fear of arrest.
- To keep you on the line.
This is general safety information, not professional advice. It is not legal, financial, medical, or immigration advice, and it does not create a professional relationship. For your own situation, speak with a qualified professional or the official organisation involved. If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number.
What to do
- Hang up; courts and police don't collect payment by phone or gift card.
- Call the actual court/clerk using a number you look up yourself.
- Never buy gift cards or wire money to 'clear a warrant.'
- Talk to someone you trust.
What to do if you already responded
- Contact gift-card/wire/crypto providers immediately.
- Verify with the real court; report to local police.
- Report to ic3.gov and reportfraud.ftc.gov.