Authorities caution residents about fake jury duty arrest calls

Law enforcement officials in north-central Arkansas are warning residents about an active phone scam in which callers falsely claim missed jury duty has led to an arrest warrant.

The Independence County Sheriff’s Office stated that scammers are calling residents and claiming they have failed to report for jury duty, that a warrant has been issued, and that immediate payment is required to avoid arrest. Victims may be instructed to pay over the phone or go to a specific location and call back.

The Izard County Sheriff’s Office issued a similar warning, saying it has received multiple calls about the same scam targeting its residents.

Both sheriff’s offices stressed that the calls are fraudulent. Authorities said they do not issue arrest warrants for missed jury duty, do not call to demand payment, do not request payment methods over the phone, and do not direct people to make bond payments in that manner.

Residents who receive such calls are urged to hang up immediately and not provide personal or financial information or send money.

Anyone who believes they may have been contacted by a scammer, or who has already shared information, is encouraged to contact their local sheriff’s office. Authorities also asked residents to share the warning, particularly with people who may be more vulnerable to scams.