Warning issued about jury duty scam

Benton County officials are warning the public about a jury duty scam.

The Circuit Clerk's Office received telephone calls Wednesday from people who reported they had received calls that claimed they did not show up for jury service and that a warrant for their arrest had been issued, Kathy Cartwright with the Circuit Clerk's Office said.

The calls claim people owe a fine and a Sheriff's Office deputy would collect the money, Cartwright said. One person reported being told the fine was $2,000, Cartwright said.

Channing Barker, communications director for Benton County, said the telephone calls are not associated with the Circuit Clerk's Office or the Sheriff's Office. She said neither office would contact a juror and request money.

"The courts do not send sheriff's deputies at any time to pick up money for a fine," Cartwright said.

Barker urged anyone who receives the calls to contact the Circuit Clerk's Office at 479-271-1015 or Sheriff's Office at 479-271-1011.