Fort Worth officials warn residents about scam callers posing as law enforcement demanding legal fee payments
Fort Worth, Texas – Residents in Fort Worth are being warned about a growing phone scam in which callers pretend to be law enforcement officers and demand payment for supposed legal violations. Officials say the scammers use aggressive language and urgent threats to pressure people into paying “legal fees” to resolve warrants allegedly tied to outstanding cases or missed jury service.
City officials stress that these calls do not originate from the Fort Worth Municipal Court and are fraudulent.
Court staff do not call residents to request payment over the phone. Authorities also emphasize that individuals who voluntarily appear at the municipal court are not arrested for Class C warrants. Scam artists often impersonate government officials to appear credible and intimidate victims into compliance.
Court officials emphasize safety and awareness
“Fort Worth is a Safe Harbor Court, meaning residents can always visit a Fort Worth Municipal Court location without fear of arrest for outstanding warrants issued by the Fort Worth Municipal Court,” Director William Rumuly said.
Officials urge residents who receive suspicious messages requesting payment to contact the court directly for verification. The Fort Worth Municipal Court can be reached at 817-392-6700 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as through online services and live chat.
Authorities say scammers rely on pressure and fear to manipulate victims. Common tactics include claims that a loved one is in danger or threats of immediate arrest if payment is not made right away. Victims are often instructed to pay using money transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards — methods that are difficult to trace and recover.
The scam may also involve claims about missed jury duty. Officials emphasize there is no cost to reset a jury service date. Anyone unable to report for jury duty due to an emergency should contact the jury office at 817-392-7633 or send an email as soon as possible.
Residents who encounter suspicious or fraudulent activity are encouraged to report it to the Fort Worth Police Department non-emergency number at 817-392-4222.
City leaders urge residents to remain cautious, verify any claims involving legal matters, and avoid making payments to unknown callers. Awareness, officials say, is the best defense against fraud schemes designed to create panic and exploit trust.
