During the jury selection process it’s clear some folks are happier to be there than others. Say what you will about jury duty, but it’s all part and parcel of a healthy judiciary system.

With that said, it’s still important to scrutinize letters and calls regarding jury duty, and the Douglas County Clerk of Courts is warning people about an ongoing scam hitting the area.

In short, Douglas County residents have been receiving phone calls saying they’ve failed to appear for a jury trial and a warrant has been issued for their arrest, the clerk’s office said in a news release. The caller then tells the intended victim that the caller can recall the arrest warrant if the victim pays money over the phone.

A good rule of thumb is that governmental agencies, whether it’s the IRS, police or local courts, will never bring up money over the phone. These types of financial transactions are generally handled in writing.

“Residents should know that any time money is brought up to be sent over the phone, via gift cards or prepaid visas, that that is a red flag and most likely a scam,” the release said.

If you have indeed failed to appear for jury duty, the courts will send you a letter notifying you of the oversight and ask you to contact the court.

Anyone who receives one of these calls is asked to contact the court at 785-832-5213 or 785-832-5111. You may also want to report the scam to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at 785-841-0007.

I report on crime and courts for the Journal-World. I can be reached by email at cswanson@ljworld.com, by phone at (785) 832-7284 or on Twitter @Conrad_Swanson.