Elko County Warns of Jury Duty Phone Scam Demanding Immediate Payment

Elko County Clerk's Office Warns Against Jury Duty Payment Scam

Elko residents are urged to be vigilant following a recent scam attempting to defraud individuals by falsely claiming they missed jury duty. The Elko County Clerk's Office issued a warning today, May 3, 2026, after reports surfaced of phone calls informing people they had missed jury duty and offering a chance to pay an associated fine over the phone or at the Sheriff's Office.

The Elko County Clerk's Office explicitly states that no phone calls are ever made to inform citizens that they have missed jury duty. This is a critical detail for anyone receiving such a call to remember.

The official process for missed jury duty in Elko County is distinctly different from what scammers are presenting. If an individual misses jury duty, they may potentially receive a letter from the County, upon the decision of a Judge. This letter, known as a Show Cause letter, notifies the recipient to appear before a Judge. During this appearance, a potential fine or fee may be assessed. It is solely at the Judge's discretion whether a Show Cause letter is issued or if any fine or fee is assessed.

Furthermore, if a fine or fee is assessed during such a hearing, the payment would be made directly to the Elko County Clerk's Office in the historic courthouse, not over the phone or at the Sheriff's Office as the scammers suggest. The Elko County Sheriff's Office has been made aware of this ongoing scam.

This scam highlights the importance of understanding official county procedures. Residents should be highly suspicious of any phone call demanding immediate payment for missed jury duty. The county's process involves formal written communication and a court appearance, not a phone call seeking payment.

For any questions or to verify information regarding jury duty, Elko County residents are encouraged to contact the Elko County Clerk's Office directly at 775-753-4600 or visit their office in downtown Elko. Remember, official communication about missed jury duty will never come in the form of a phone call demanding payment.