HERNANDO, Miss. – The Hernando Police Department is warning residents about a phone scam involving a caller claiming to be “Officer Mays.” The caller tells victims there is a warrant for their arrest for failing to appear for jury duty and demands payment over the phone.
Police say this is a scam. The department does not employ anyone named “Officer Mays” and will never ask citizens to make payments by phone.
“If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately,” the department said in a statement. “If you have any concerns or believe you may be the target of a scam, contact us directly at 662-429-9096.”
Common Jury Duty Scam Tactics
Law enforcement agencies across the country have reported similar scams. Criminals often claim to be court officers, police, or deputies, and tell victims they will be arrested unless they pay fines for missing jury duty. These scammers frequently demand payment through prepaid cards, wire transfers, or gift cards—methods that are nearly impossible to trace.
Officials stress that courts and law enforcement agencies never request payment over the phone for jury duty issues. Actual jury duty notices are handled through official court correspondence, not phone calls.
Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant, avoid sharing personal information over the phone, and report suspicious calls to their local police department.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
