Do Process Servers Call You? What You Need to Know

Getting a phone call from someone claiming to be a process server can catch you off guard. You start wondering, ‘Why am I being served papers?’ or ‘What does a process server want?’ Generally, a process server calls to notify you that they have legal documents requiring your attention. These documents often relate to a court case involving you or someone close to you, and knowing why they are calling and how to handle the situation is important.

At On-Call Legal, we’re not just about providing information on process servers. We’re about giving you the confidence and support you need, backed by our years of experience and reliability. Reach out to us today and let’s help you navigate the process, every step of the way.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the reasons a process server may call and what you should do if you ever receive one of those calls.

What Is a Process Server?

Process servers deliver legal papers to parties involved in a court case. They typically operate behind the scenes to ensure that justice is upheld in local courts. These documents may include subpoenas, complaints, summons, notices, and more. By serving these papers, process servers ensure that individuals are properly notified of their involvement in legal proceedings.

Core Responsibilities of Process Servers

Process servers carry out several important responsibilities:

• Document Delivery: Process servers are tasked with delivering documents to defendants, witnesses, and all other individuals involved in a court case.

• Identity Verification: Delivering documents to the wrong person can have serious consequences. Process servers verify the identity of recipients to preserve the integrity of the legal process.

• Record Keeping: Process servers document each service of process, including the date, time, and method of delivery. These records often serve as crucial evidence in court.

Overall, process servers are essential to the judicial system because they ensure due process is followed and help prevent delays in legal proceedings.

Do Process Servers Call You? 

Yes, process servers may call you, but their main job is to deliver legal documents in person. A legitimate process server will not pressure you by phone or demand sensitive information. They will usually call only to confirm your location or arrange delivery.

It’s important to note that they cannot serve legal papers by phone. A phone call alone does not meet legal service requirements. Personal service, which means hand delivery, is the preferred method; however, courts may permit alternative service methods, such as service by mail or publication, if personal delivery proves to be difficult.

Regardless of the method, the process server must provide the court with proof of service, known as an affidavit of service. Should you suspect improper service, you possess the right to voice your concerns to the court. Proper service is critical because it ensures all parties can act and respond appropriately.

Do Process Servers Leave Voicemails?

In most U.S. states, including Washington, New York, California, Texas, Florida, and Michigan, leaving a voicemail does not legally qualify as valid service of process. Courts typically require service through direct and verifiable methods, such as in-person delivery, certified mail, or substitute service.

Process servers may occasionally leave voicemails, usually to request a call back or notify recipients of delivery attempts. These messages are purely informational and do not replace formal service.

If you receive a voicemail from someone claiming to be a process server, treat it cautiously, as it could be a scam. Because of the risks surrounding improper service, most legitimate process servers avoid leaving voicemails altogether.

Common Reasons for Contact by a Process Server

Some of the reasons why a process server may contact you are: 

Delivery of Legal Documents

Process servers act as messengers of the law. You will get a call from them when they have to deliver formal notifications. Some of these documents may include: 

• Subpoenas: By delivering a subpoena to you, they are letting you know that you are compelled to testify as a witness to a case. Or, it could be that you have to produce some documents relevant to the legal proceedings.

• Notices: They deliver notices related to court hearings, motions, court orders, etc. The aim is for everyone involved to be carried along. 

• Summons: This document lets you know that a legal action has been initiated against you. It gives you details on the case and the necessary steps for a response. 

Involvement in a Legal Case 

They let you know how you are involved in a legal case. You could be involved in two ways:

• As a party: Being a party to a case means you could be the plaintiff or defendant. Another way a process server may contact you is to deliver documents that inform you of the next necessary steps to take in order to protect your rights. 

• As a witness: In this case, the court document you are getting is a subpoena. This highlights the crucial role you play in the case. 

Mistaken Identity 

You will get phone calls from a process server when there is a case of mistaken identity. Mistaken identity occurs when: 

• There are similar names or addresses: There could be situations where the intended recipient has a name or address similar to someone else’s, so process servers may call for verification.

• Outdated Information: Changes in residence or contact details might not be immediately reflected in the process server’s records, leading to contact with the wrong people.

• Incomplete Information: Process servers may make errors and contact you based on incomplete information. 

How to Identify a Scam Process Server Call or Voicemail

As we’ve explained, most process servers will do everything possible to reach you or the recipient of the service. Unfortunately, process servers are getting infamous these days because scammers have taken to process service as a cover for fraud. Most people aren’t familiar with exactly how legal service works, so when someone claims to be a process server, it can be easy to get tricked.

When a call or voicemail is received from someone claiming to be a process server, these are the most common warning signs that it could be a scam:

1. The Caller Demands You Make a Payment

This is one of the clearest signs of a scam. A legitimate process server is paid by the party initiating the legal action—not by you. Whether it’s a divorce case, a debt collection case, or anything else, you are never expected to pay the server directly.

If the caller insists that you must make an immediate payment to avoid trouble with the law or claims they can “make the case disappear” for a fee, you are being scammed. A process server’s role is strictly to deliver documents—they do not have the power to dismiss cases or negotiate settlements. If you find yourself being pressured to pay, end the call immediately and report the incident to the police.

Now, aside from requesting you make payments to them, some go as far as requesting such through unusual methods such as gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto. The reason is obvious. These methods are harder to track and are a classic sign of fraud.

2. They Won’t Give You Any Case Details

A genuine process server should be able to give you some basic information about the case. They might not know every detail, but they should at least be able to tell you:

• Who the parties involved are (e.g., your name and the other party)

• Which court the case is filed in (State and County)

• A case number (if available)

If someone refuses to give you this information or claims the documents are “sealed” and they can’t discuss it, that’s a major warning sign. Real process servers know what they’re handing over and can tell you what kind of case it is. Yes, they may have dozens of papers to deliver at a time and may not know all the details, but they’re never absolutely ignorant of the cases involved.

3. You Receive Excessive Calls or Feel Intimidated

While legitimate process servers may occasionally call to confirm your address or arrange a suitable delivery time, they do not harass or threaten individuals. If you are receiving repeated calls from unfamiliar or blocked numbers, and the tone becomes aggressive or intimidating, you are probably dealing with a scammer. Scammers often resort to scare tactics. A genuine process server may explain that failing to accept legal documents could result in consequences, but they will not resort to bullying or harassment.

Some may even try to intimidate you by claiming they are law enforcement. A process server is not a police officer. If someone claims to be both or threatens to arrest you, you’ve most likely come across a scammer. No need to fret because they actually can’t arrest you.

4. The Caller Sounds Unfamiliar With Your Local Area

Process servers typically operate within your local area since they need to physically deliver documents to you. If the person on the phone struggles to pronounce the name of your city or sounds unsure about basic local details, then you should raise a brow at them. Scammers often operate from different states—or even overseas—so they may slip up when discussing locations, especially hard-to-pronounce locations like Weyauwega, Waukesha, Oconomowoc, Kaukauna, and the rest.

5. They Pressure You to Share Personal Information

Real process servers don’t need your personal details, including your bank account, Social Security number, or any other sensitive details. In fact, legitimate organizations will seldom ask for your personal details over a phone call. So, as a rule of thumb, you should be wary of anyone who pressures or even subtly tries to get your sensitive information. If someone asks for that kind of information over the phone, hang up—it’s likely a phishing attempt to steal your personal data.

How to Verify the Identity of a Process Server

Unfortunately, process server scams are becoming more prevalent. These scammers call people, get vital information from them, and use the information for a phishing scam. Here are helpful ways to verify the identity of a process server: 

1. Ask for identification: If you must take a call from someone claiming to be a process server, then ask for their personal details. Legitimate process servers should willingly provide identification upon request. It would be helpful to take note of the person’s name, contact information, and the company they represent.

2. Verify company information: You can take a further step to verify by checking out the company information or the local court’s website. Do your background check, and also check what people are saying about them.  You can also verify the information of the server by calling the company and requesting confirmation.

3. Contact the court: If you’ve received legal papers. Contact the local court directly to confirm that the case exists. Courts usually have records of legal action. 

What to Do if You Suspect a Scam or Impersonation

To avoid falling victim to impersonators, it is important to verify process service. Once you feel that things are not right or out of place, here’s what to do:

1. Do not give out personal information: A legitimate process server will not request sensitive personal information beyond what is necessary for the legal office. If you suspect a scam, hang up immediately.

2. Report to the authorities: If you believe you are a victim of a phishing scam, report the incident to local law enforcement immediately. Ensure that you provide the police officer with as much information as possible. It should include the name of the process server, the company they claim to represent, and any other relevant details. You can also contact your local court to verify whether a case exists.

3. Document the encounter: It is helpful to keep a detailed record of the encounter, including date, time, and any other relevant information. 

4. Consult with an attorney: Seek legal advice immediately if you suspect a scam involving a process server. A lawyer can guide you on the appropriate steps to take and help protect your rights in the legal process. 

What to Do if You Are Served Papers

If you’re served papers by a legitimate process server, it’s not the time to panic. Here’s what you should do to be on the safe side of the law:

• Review the Papers: Read the documents thoroughly to understand the nature of the case.

• Seek Legal Counsel: Consult an attorney to understand your rights and determine your next steps.

• Respond Promptly: Adhere to deadlines for responding to the legal notice to avoid further complications.

Stay Informed and Protect Yourself

Receiving a call from a process server may feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A legitimate process server may call to arrange delivery, but they will never demand money or sensitive information. Now you know how to recognize legitimate service, spot scams, and take the right steps if contacted.

At On-Call Legal Process Servers, we are here to be your legal partners. Have questions about a process server call, or are unsure if you’ve been properly served? Reach out to us now to schedule a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s normal to feel unsure when you get a call from someone claiming to be a process server. These questions and answers will help you understand what’s happening and how to respond with confidence.

Will a Process Server Call You Before Serving You?

Yes, a process server may call ahead to arrange delivery of legal papers, but it’s not always guaranteed. If someone is calling and demanding personal information or payment, be cautious—it could be a scam.

What Hours Can a Process Server Serve You in California?

To respect your time and space, they are to serve papers between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. PST.

What Is a Special Process Server?

A special process server is appointed by a court for specific cases, often when standard service methods fail. These individuals may have additional legal authority or training to serve documents in challenging situations. Instances where a special process server may be required include cases involving evasive individuals, hard-to-locate respondents, or situations that are high-risk or where security concerns exist.

Can Someone Else Accept Served Papers in California?

Yes, someone else can accept served papers on your behalf in California. However, the person must be over 18 years old and must not be related to the case.

Why Would a Special Process Server Call Me?

A special process server may call you if traditional service attempts have failed or if your case requires extra steps, such as serving someone hard to reach. Their role is still the same: to ensure you receive official legal documents.

What Do I Do if a National Process Service Calls Me?

Upon receiving a call from a national process service, remain calm, verify the details, and then proceed with any necessary action. Ask for their name, company, and case information, then confirm directly with the court or the company’s official contact number to make sure the call is legitimate.