The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has alerted residents to a “missed jury duty” scam that has recently emerged in southwest Arkansas. Authorities are warning the public to remain vigilant, as scammers impersonate law enforcement officials to trick people into believing they face arrest unless they pay a fine.
Details of the Scam
According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the scam involves a caller claiming to be from the warrants division, using the phone number (870) 247-8688. The caller informs the resident that an arrest warrant has been issued because they missed a jury duty assignment. To add credibility to their story, the scammers may send a photo allegedly showing the resident’s signature on a certified mail receipt referencing the missed jury duty.
By creating a sense of urgency and using official-sounding language, the scammers aim to scare victims into compliance. The goal is to pressure the resident into paying a “fine” or “fee” to resolve the warrant and avoid arrest. Payment is often requested through unconventional methods like gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or digital currencies, which are difficult to trace and can be instantly transferred.
How the Scam Works
- The Call: A resident receives a call from someone claiming to be from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, typically using a spoofed phone number to make it appear as though the call is coming from an official source.
- The Threat: The caller informs the resident that they have missed jury duty and that a warrant has been issued for their arrest. The scammer may use intimidating language, legal jargon, and threats of immediate arrest to create panic.
- The Fake Proof: To make the scam seem more legitimate, the caller may send a photo of a document or mail receipt supposedly signed by the victim. This “proof” is meant to convince the resident that the notice was indeed sent and that legal action is imminent.
- The Payment Demand: The scammer then pressures the victim to pay a fine or fee to resolve the issue. The payment is usually requested in non-traditional forms, such as gift cards or Bitcoin, which are nearly impossible to recover once transferred.
Why This Scam Is Effective
The “missed jury duty” scam preys on people’s fear of legal trouble and the perceived authority of law enforcement. When someone receives a call from what appears to be the sheriff’s office, especially with threats of arrest, they may not question the validity of the claim. The addition of seemingly “official” documents or references to certified mail adds a layer of credibility, making the scam more convincing.
Sheriff’s Office Advice for Residents
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office advises residents to be cautious and follow these steps if they receive a call like this:
- Do Not Engage: If you receive a call about a missed jury duty warrant, do not give any personal information, make payments, or engage with the caller.
- Verify the Information: If you are concerned about the legitimacy of the claim, contact the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office directly using the official number, not the number provided by the caller.
- Check for Active Warrants: The sheriff’s office encourages residents to view the official active warrants list on their website to verify if there is indeed an outstanding warrant.
- Do Not Send Money: Under no circumstances should you send money to resolve the issue. Law enforcement agencies do not request payments over the phone, and fines related to missed jury duty are typically handled through official court notices, not phone calls.
- Report the Scam: If you receive a suspicious call, report it to local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Document the phone number, any demands made, and any additional details to assist with the investigation.
Understanding the Tactics of Scammers
Scammers frequently use “spoofing technology” to manipulate caller ID displays, making it appear as though the call is coming from a legitimate source, such as a local sheriff’s office. This tactic adds an air of credibility to their threats and increases the likelihood that victims will comply with their demands.
In addition to spoofing, scammers may attempt to sound official by using legal terminology, references to court procedures, and fabricated case numbers. They may also try to keep the victim on the phone for an extended period to prevent them from verifying the information with the actual sheriff’s office.
Protecting Yourself Against Phone Scams
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office stresses that law enforcement agencies will never notify individuals of a missed jury duty over the phone, nor will they demand payment to resolve legal issues. Official notifications regarding jury duty are typically sent via mail or through in-person service by court officers. Any request for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other unconventional methods is a clear indicator of a scam.
Residents are urged to stay informed, share this warning with friends and family, and remain cautious when receiving unsolicited phone calls. By understanding the signs of phone scams and knowing how to respond, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.
Conclusion
The recent “missed jury duty” scam is part of a broader trend of fraudsters using fear and urgency to exploit unsuspecting individuals. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is working to spread awareness and ensure that residents know how to recognize and report these scams. If you receive a call demanding payment for missed jury duty or threatening arrest, it is crucial to hang up and report the incident to authorities immediately.