Officials warn of scam

SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office has been receiving numerous inquiries from citizens who have been potential victims of a jury duty/court scam. These involve someone calling and identifying themselves as a law enforcement official or, specifically, someone employed by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. In the most recent scams, they’ve identified themselves as Justin Bell.

Scammers can easily access law enforcement officials’ names and phone numbers from the internet or agency website. They will then request money from the potential victim for the purpose of taking care of a warrant related to them allegedly missing jury duty or court.

The most recent report indicates that scammers requested $10,500 for simply missing court. If you proceed with the phone call, you will most likely be given instructions on how to pay the money. Oftentimes, this involves depositing money into a crypto currency machine at a local convenience store.

Please remember this: No law enforcement agency will ever call you on the phone demanding payment for any reason. If you receive a phone call pertaining to this scam or any other suspicious calls asking for payment or money, simply hang up and ignore them.

If you have any questions about the veracity of a suspicious call, notify the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 566-6600. If you have any questions or concerns about Smith County jury service, please contact the District Clerk’s Office at (903) 590-1660.

For more information on the Smith County Sheriff’s Office visit here. The Sheriff’s Office also has a FB page and can be followed on X at @SmithCSO.