Which of the following is NOT a method of serving a civil summons?

The method of serving a civil summons must follow strict procedural guidelines, often defined by law. The method that is NOT acceptable for serving a civil summons is service by telephone. This is because a civil summons must provide formal, documented notification to the defendant regarding the legal action being initiated, ensuring that they have knowledge of the proceedings.

Serving by telephone does not provide a tangible record or confirmation of service and does not meet the legal requirements for notifying a defendant. In contrast, methods such as serving in person, by mail, or by publication are recognized and often utilized methods of service. In-person service ensures that the individual directly receives the summons, mailing provides a traceable method of delivery, and publication is used when the whereabouts of the defendant are unknown, providing a publicly available notice. These methods adhere to the legal standards necessary for proper service of process in civil matters.