El Paso Sheriff Warns of Jury Duty Scam Calls Demanding Payment

Residents told to beware of scammers posing as sheriff's office and threatening arrest over missed jury duty.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a phone scam where callers falsely claim the recipient missed jury duty and demand payment to resolve a warrant and avoid arrest. The sheriff's office says it will never request payment over the phone, text, or email, and does not collect fines or fees in that manner.

Why it matters

Phone scams targeting the elderly and vulnerable are an ongoing problem, and this particular scam preys on people's fear of legal consequences. The sheriff's warning aims to educate the public and prevent residents from falling victim to this deception.

The details

According to the sheriff's office, scammers are telling victims they failed to appear for jury duty and that a warrant has been issued for their arrest. The caller then demands payment over the phone to 'resolve' the warrant and avoid being taken into custody. The sheriff's office stressed it does not operate in this manner and urged residents not to provide personal information or send money to the callers.

  • The scam calls have been reported to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office in recent weeks.

The players

El Paso County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency warning residents about the scam calls.

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What’s next

Individuals concerned about potential warrants can verify the information by contacting the El Paso County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division. Residents who believe they have been targeted by the scam are encouraged to report it to local law enforcement.

The takeaway

This scam highlights the importance of public awareness and vigilance against deceptive practices that prey on people's fears. By sharing the sheriff's warning, the community can help protect vulnerable residents from falling victim to this type of fraud.