Panola County Sheriff’s Office Warns of Jury Duty Scam

A resident of Panola County received a phone call from someone claiming to be Sgt. Griffin from the Panola County Sheriff’s Office. The caller said she missed federal jury duty and that a warrant had been issued for her arrest unless she paid $500, according to authorities.

The sheriff’s office emphasized that it does not initiate contact via phone to demand money or inform individuals of warrants. Federal agencies handle arrest warrants, not local law enforcement. The scammer also sent a photo of a fabricated warrant to lure the victim.

Authorities noted several inconsistencies with the fake warrant, including its origin from the Southern District of Mississippi, while Panola County is in the Northern District. The call originated from a Georgia number, and the warrant was unsigned and listed an incorrect name, “SGT Griffin.”

While the sheriff’s office may assist federal agencies in serving warrants, officials said they will never call someone demanding money for warrants. They urged residents to verify suspicious calls and to contact local officials if in doubt.

“Remember… when in doubt, call somebody,” the sheriff’s office advised.

Source: Original Article