RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett warned local citizens Tuesday of ongoing telephone scams. 

According to Bramlett, fraudulent callers inform the victims that they are with their local police, sheriff’s department, district attorney’s office, or the county courts.

The caller then tells the victim they missed a jury duty summons and, therefore, could be found in contempt of court. The scammer may even claim a warrant was issued for their arrest. To prevent incoming legal action, the victim is asked to provide their bank account information or send money through Cash App, PayPal, Venmo, or wire transfer.

“Please be aware that even though these calls appear to be from a local police or sheriff department phone number, a law officer or judge will never demand payment from a public member, nor would an officer come to collect money from you,” Bramlett said.

Courts almost exclusively contact individuals about jury duty or missed jury duty by postal mail.