The Prentiss County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents about a jury duty scam after deputies received numerous reports this week of callers posing as federal law enforcement officers and demanding money. The sheriff’s office shared the warning on its official Facebook page Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.
According to the sheriff’s department, the callers tell people they have missed jury duty. The caller then walks the victim through instructions on how to “clear the matter up,” and eventually demands a payment.
“THIS IS A SCAM,” the department wrote, urging residents not to fall for it.
How the jury duty scam works
The sheriff’s office said the scam is not limited to Prentiss County. After talking with other sheriffs in the area, the department said the scheme is widespread. Calls like these usually follow a similar pattern:
The caller claims to be a federal agent, deputy or court officer.
The person is told a warrant or fine is pending because they skipped jury service.
The caller pressures the victim to pay right away to avoid arrest.
Payment is often requested by gift card, wire transfer, prepaid card or payment app.
Courts and law enforcement agencies do not call people to demand payment over the phone for missing jury duty. Jury matters are handled through the court clerk by mail or in person.
Other phone scams to watch for
The graphic the sheriff’s department shared with its warning lists other common phone scams, including technical support calls, threatening calls from someone claiming to be with the IRS, bank fraud calls, Social Security calls, lottery and charity calls, insurance, health care and debt collection calls, and extended car warranty pitches.
Neighboring agencies have posted similar warnings this year. The Alcorn County Sheriff’s Office has warned several times about callers pretending to be officers.
What to do if you get a call
Hang up. Do not give out personal or financial information.
Never pay a “fine” over the phone, especially with gift cards or wire transfers.
If you are unsure whether you have a jury summons, call the Prentiss County Circuit Clerk’s office directly using a number you look up yourself.
Report the call to the Prentiss County Sheriff’s Department at (662) 728-6232.
Jon R Myers is the executive editor of Alcorn County News and the founder of the Mississippi News Group, which he started in 2013 to cover communities across North Mississippi. He also founded the Mississippi Sports Group in 2006, which grew from a single community publication into a statewide network covering high school and college athletics. He reports on local government, public safety, schools and community life in Corinth and Alcorn County, working from public meetings, agency records and interviews with the people involved. Contact him at editor@alcornnewsms.com with news tips or corrections. For a correction, include the article link and supporting source material.
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