Muse Shield · daily scam letter

The "Missed Jury Duty" Call That Could Cost You Hundreds

October 7, 2026

Daily Scam Letter — one scam, plain English, every morning.

Hi, it's Eli.

The phone rings and a caller claiming to be from the sheriff's office says you missed jury duty and now there's a warrant out for your arrest. He sounds official — badge number, case number, the works. Then comes the punchline: pay a "fine" right now over the phone, or you'll be arrested. To "prove" it, he'll keep you on the line the whole time, sometimes switching you to a fake "judge."

There is no warrant. There is no missed jury duty. It's a scare script — the urgency keeps you from thinking, and the payment has to be instant: gift cards, wire transfer, crypto, or a prepaid card. Real courts do not collect fines by phone, ever, and no legitimate officer demands payment while holding you on the line.

Red flags:

• Threat of arrest unless you pay right now — courts don't do this
• Payment demanded by gift card, wire transfer, crypto, or prepaid card
• A caller ID that says "police" or a local courthouse — those can be faked in seconds

What to do instead: Hang up. If it worries you, look up your county courthouse's real number yourself and call them directly — they'll tell you there's no warrant. Never pay anyone who calls you demanding money.

Stay sharp out there.

— Eli