A caller says you’ve been served, that there’s a complaint or even a warrant, and you need to pay or give information right now. It’s alarming by design, and it’s very often a scam. Here’s how to tell the difference.
How real service actually works
Legitimate service of process means physically delivering documents to you (or, in certain cases, court-approved mailing, posting, or publication). A real process server hands you papers, they don’t demand money over the phone or threaten you with arrest.
Red flags of a process-server scam
Be suspicious of any call that demands immediate payment, threatens arrest or a warrant, pressures you to act this minute, or asks for your Social Security number, bank details, or a gift-card payment. Those are scam tactics, not how courts or process servers operate.
What to do if you get one of these calls
Don’t pay and don’t hand over personal information. Hang up, and if you’re worried there’s a real case, look it up directly with the court using the case number, or call the court clerk. Verify independently, never through the caller.
How to confirm real service
With genuine service you’ll have actual documents listing a case number and a court you can check. Sacramento Registered Process Server provides proper, in-person service and court-ready proof, so there’s never any guesswork.
