CONTACT:  Susan Melnyk, Chief Communications Manager, (360) 867-2097 or susan.melnyk@co.thurston.wa.us

UPDATED: Wednesday, April 22, 2026

County Officials Warn of Building Permit & Jury Duty Scam 
Do not provide your financial information to anyone via email or to a caller over the phone. The County mails invoices via the U.S. Postal Service.

THURSTON COUNTY - Scammers posing as County employees or deputies are calling and emailing residents asking for payment and financial details over the phone or by email. This is a scam. The County doesn't call or email requesting payment for services. Most offices and departments ask for in-person payment at the time services are provided while you are in a County facility OR we mail an invoice via the U.S. Postal Service. 

Original Release Posted: December 2025

County Officials Warn of Jury Duty Scam Targeting Residents 
Thurston County courts don’t call jurors, and deputies don’t collect fines by phone. 

OLYMPIA –The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office and County Jury Administration today issued a warning to the community regarding a sophisticated phone scam. 

The County has received reports of scam callers telling residents they missed jury service and demanding money, bank details and confidential personal information. The scammers then make aggressive threats of arrest for “failure to appear.”

Officials say scammers are trying to prey on people’s fear of the legal system, but the County’s jury service communications policies are clear: No Thurston County employee will ever call and demand bank account details or social security numbers for a missed a jury summons. If you get a call like this, hang up immediately. It’s a scam.

About the Scam Calls

• The Threat – Callers falsely claim jury duty was missed and threaten arrest.
• The Demand – Callers demand bank account and social security numbers, or wire transfers, gift cards, or some form of payment to “clear the warrant.”
• The County Policy – Official jury communications are by mail. If you miss jury service, County employees won't contact you by phone. 

What To Do 

• If you get a call – Hang up immediately. Don’t engage in conversation.
• If you already got a call like this and gave out information –  Report it.
• If you want to verify your Jury Service – Check the County’s website or call 360-754-4109.
• Report Scams to Thurston County Sheriff's Non-Emergency line at 360-704-2740.

County officials and staff - including the Sheriff‘s deputies and courts - work on behalf of residents to improve public safety and health. Learn more about the County’s efforts to help residents avoid becoming victims of fraud and identity theft under Scam Information at http://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/sheriff/community-outreach-and-crime-prevention.