According to a scam alert from Sheriff Brad Norman, people have reported receiving calls from scammers claiming the victim missed a federal court subpoena, jury duty, or another official court appearance. The caller may then tell the person to come to the Sheriff’s Office or another location to “sign paperwork,” or demand payment to avoid arrest or other legal trouble. The Sheriff’s Office says that is not how legitimate law enforcement operates. The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office will not call residents and demand immediate action over a missed court appearance or subpoena. The office also will never request payment over the phone or ask for money through prepaid cards, wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps. Officials also warned that scammers can spoof phone numbers, making a call look like it is coming from a real agency or local number. Residents who receive a suspicious call like this should not send money or share personal information. Instead, contact the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office directly at 972-937-6060 to report the incident or verify whether the call is legitimate. Sheriff Norman is asking residents to share the warning with family, friends, and neighbors, especially those who may be more vulnerable to phone scams.