Missed jury duty phone scam in Smith County

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office warns of a missed jury duty scam. According to a news release, the sheriff’s office has received several calls from concerned citizens. They have each advised that an unknown individual has called and identified himself as Sheriff’s Captain Craig Halbrooks. The caller then tells the victim that he needs to discuss a criminal matter with them and states that they owe money because they missed jury duty. If you receive a call like this, you’re asked not give them any information and simply hang up the phone. The news release says the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, as well as any law enforcement agency, will never call anyone and ask for money.

Officials say you shouldn’t allow yourself to be victimized by these individuals and never give personal identifying information or financial information over the phone. Also, never respond to suspicious text messages asking for this information, according to the release.