LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS — Arkansas residents are being warned about fraudulent phone calls, text messages and emails from scammers impersonating law enforcement officers and federal court officials while threatening arrest over supposed missed jury duty.
The Independence County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning about the calls, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas has also alerted residents to similar scams.
The federal court issued a jury scam warning on August 28, 2026, cautioning that criminals are impersonating court personnel and law enforcement officers to obtain money and sensitive personal information.
The U.S. Marshals Service and FBI issued another public notice concerning government impersonation scams on October 2, 2026.
Authorities say these fraudulent communications can sound convincing, but residents should never provide personal information or send money simply because someone claims to represent a government agency.
SCAMMERS CLAIM ARKANSAS RESIDENTS MISSED FEDERAL JURY DUTY
One of the scams involves callers claiming that residents failed to report for federal jury duty.
The caller may tell the victim that a warrant has been issued, that criminal charges are pending or that immediate payment is necessary to avoid arrest.
Scammers may demand money through electronic payments, gift cards, cryptocurrency or other methods.
The goal is to frighten residents into acting before they can verify whether the claims are legitimate.
The Eastern District of Arkansas warns that these fraudulent communications are not connected with the federal courts.
SCAM CALLERS MAY USE REAL OFFICERS’ NAMES
According to the Independence County Sheriff’s Office, scammers may use the names of actual officers and provide badge numbers to sound legitimate.
Some callers may instruct residents to report to a police station or sheriff’s department, while others demand immediate payments.
Criminals can also manipulate caller identification information, making a call appear to originate from a government telephone number.
The use of an actual officer’s name or an official-looking telephone number does not establish that the caller is legitimate.
FEDERAL COURT ISSUED ARKANSAS JURY SCAM ALERT AUGUST 28
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas issued an official warning Friday, August 28, 2026, concerning fraudulent communications involving jury service.
The court warned that people are receiving telephone calls, emails and messages threatening prosecution for failing to comply with jury service.
Scammers may impersonate law enforcement officers or court personnel and attempt to obtain confidential information.
The court emphasized that federal courts do not require people to provide sensitive personal information through telephone calls or emails.
Most legitimate communications between federal courts and prospective jurors occur through the U.S. mail.
Any legitimate telephone or email contact from court officials will not include demands for sensitive personal information.
The court is encouraging residents who receive suspicious communications to report them.
WHAT ARKANSAS RESIDENTS SHOULD DO
Authorities recommend several precautions to avoid becoming victims of jury duty and warrant scams.
1. HANG UP THE PHONE.
If someone demands money to resolve missed jury duty or avoid arrest, end the conversation.
2. DO NOT SEND MONEY.
Never purchase gift cards, cryptocurrency or make electronic payments based on threatening telephone calls.
3. PROTECT PERSONAL INFORMATION.
Do not provide Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card information or other sensitive personal details.
4. VERIFY THE INFORMATION.
Contact the appropriate courthouse or law enforcement agency directly using an independently verified telephone number.
5. BLOCK AND REPORT SUSPICIOUS CALLS.
Use available telephone scam-reporting features and report the incident to authorities.
6. WARN FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Share information about these scams, particularly with relatives who may be unfamiliar with government impersonation schemes.
HOW TO REPORT JURY DUTY SCAMS IN ARKANSAS
Residents who receive suspicious federal jury duty calls may report them to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
U.S. DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
PHONE: 501-604-5351
EMAIL: jury@ared.uscourts.gov
WEBSITE: https://www.are.uscourts.gov/
Residents may also report suspected scams to the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office.
ARKANSAS ATTORNEY GENERAL
CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION
PHONE: 800-482-8982
EMAIL: consumer@arkansasag.gov
WEBSITE: https://arkansasag.gov/current-scams/
Residents who have already lost money to a fraudulent caller should file an official consumer complaint.
ONLINE CONSUMER COMPLAINT FORM:
https://portal.arkansas.gov/service/ar-consumer-complaint-form/
The Federal Trade Commission also accepts fraud reports at: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
INDEPENDENCE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ISSUES LOCAL WARNING
The Independence County Sheriff’s Office is among the Arkansas law enforcement agencies alerting residents about these fraudulent calls.
The Sheriff’s Office says callers may use actual officer names, badge numbers and threats involving supposed warrants.
Residents who receive suspicious calls claiming to represent the Independence County Sheriff’s Office can contact the department directly.
INDEPENDENCE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
PHONE: 870-793-8838
WEBSITE: https://www.independencesheriff.org/
ARKANSAS FAMILIES ENCOURAGED TO SHARE WARNING
Government impersonation scams can affect residents in communities throughout Arkansas.
Criminals often rely on threats of arrest, financial penalties and legal consequences to pressure victims into sending money.
Law enforcement officials encourage residents to remain cautious, independently verify suspicious communications and report attempted fraud.
Anyone receiving a call demanding immediate payment for missed federal jury duty should avoid following the caller’s instructions.
Residents are also encouraged to share the warning with friends, relatives and neighbors to help prevent financial losses.
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