Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

PR #: 1500120
Date Issued: Oct 28, 2015 - 8:48am

Sheriff's Office warns residents to beware of phone scams involving jury service

CONTACT: Bob Harmon
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Office 775-785-6235
Cell 775-722-5517

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office and the Second Judicial District Court are currently receiving numerous calls from the public about an ongoing phone scam in which the scammers identify themselves as District Court or Sheriff personnel. The scammers then claim the potential victims owe a substantial fine for failing to report for jury service.

In some of the calls reported to the Sheriff's Office, the caller identifies himself as Michael Scott. He then tells the recipient that the recipient failed to appear for jury service on a specific Monday in August and must pay a Surety Bond of $750.00 over the phone, or pay a designated number of citations at $750.00 each in order to avoid arrest.

The Second Judicial District Court does not impose monetary sanctions for missed jury service over the phone. Additionally, the Second Judicial District Court does not accept payments over the phone.

Anyone with questions about jury service may call the Second Judicial District Court's Jury Manager at 775-328-3152. Additional information may also be found at www.washoecourts.com.

Anyone who has been a victim of this scam, or who receives such a call, is encouraged to take down as much information as possible, such as a name and call back number, without giving any information to the scammer. Then contact the Washoe County Sheriff's Office at (775) 328-3001.


The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

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