Houston, TX – Residents across Harris County are being warned today about a growing phone scam involving callers who falsely claim to be law enforcement officers and threaten arrest over alleged missed jury duty.
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), scammers are impersonating deputies and court officials in an attempt to pressure victims into sending money or sharing personal information. The calls often sound urgent and intimidating, with fraudsters claiming fines are owed or arrest warrants have been issued.
HCSO emphasized that the sheriff’s office will never call residents to demand payment for missed jury duty, request personal or financial information over the phone, or threaten arrest during a phone call. Officials say any call making those claims should be treated as a scam.
Authorities report that victims are often instructed to pay using gift cards, wire transfers, or digital payment apps—another red flag. Some callers may spoof official phone numbers or use names of real deputies to appear legitimate.
Residents who receive one of these calls are urged to hang up immediately and report the incident to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 713-221-6000. Officials also recommend warning family members, especially seniors, who are frequently targeted by similar scams.
Law enforcement says scam attempts tend to spike during jury selection periods, tax season, and after high-profile court cases, when residents may be more likely to believe the warning is real.
Anyone unsure about jury duty status is advised to contact the Harris County District Clerk’s Office directly using official contact information, not numbers provided during unsolicited calls.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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