photo by: Mike Yoder

The Douglas County Judicial and Law Enforcement Center, 111 E. 11th St.

First of all, the federal U.S. Marshals Service has nothing to do with court proceedings in Douglas County. Second, they definitely won’t be the ones coordinating your jury duty here.

The Douglas County District Court clerk’s office — the actual office that oversees jury duty in the county — is warning area residents of a jury scam the office says is making its way around the county again. Residents have reported receiving calls from a U.S. Marshal telling them that they’ve missed jury duty and that a warrant has been issued for their arrest. The “U.S. Marshal” then demands payment for a fine.

Do not make any such payments, the court clerk’s office warns. Instead, the clerk’s office is asking anyone who’s been targeted by this scam to call the clerk’s office at 785-832-5213.

The U.S. Marshals apparently are aware of people posing as them, and say it’s been a nationwide problem. A news release on their website says: “Scammers use many tactics to sound credible. They sometimes provide information like badge numbers, names of actual law enforcement officials and federal judges, and courthouse addresses. They may also spoof their phone numbers to appear on caller ID as if they are calling from the court or a government agency.” The U.S. Marshals Service suggests authenticating the call by calling your local court clerk’s office.

— I’m the Journal-World’s public safety reporter. Reach me by email at sshepherd@ljworld.com or by phone at 785-832-7187. I’m also on Twitter, @saramarieshep.