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Don’t Fall Victim to Scams: Durham County Sheriff’s Office Warns of Convincing Federal Court Hoax
DURHAM, NC (Friday, April 24, 2026) - Scams never stop, but everyone can take steps to stay safe by following simple guidelines. A new report from the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) projects that Americans are losing an estimated $119 billion every year to online scams, with just under $3 billion resulting from government impersonation tactics.
Durham County Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead wants to remind our community to stay vigilant. "Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, often impersonating trusted organizations to trick you into giving them money or personal information," he said.
Recently, one savvy Durham County resident made us aware of a scam so convincing they were ready to hand over thousands of dollars before realizing the ruse. While on the phone with the scammer, the resident received a letter (attached) stating they owed $30,000 for failure to appear in Federal Court. While the arrest warrant looked official, it was completely fake. Thankfully, the recipient contacted the Clerk of Courts to verify the claims before handing over any cash.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- The "Pay to Avoid Arrest" Demand: Law enforcement and the courts will NEVER call or write to request immediate payment to avoid arrest.
- Suspicious Typos: Official documents are carefully vetted. In the attached fake warrant, scammers used made-up legal jargon and misspelled "Surety" as "INSURITY."
- Unusual Payment Methods: We DO NOT accept payments via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. If someone demands these, it is a scam.
- AI and Voice Cloning: Be aware that scammers now use AI to mimic voices. Even if a caller sounds like a local official or someone you may know, always hang up and call the agency back at a publicly listed number.
Crucial Tips to Protect Yourself:
- Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels urgent or threatening, it is likely a scam. Scammers create panic to prevent you from verifying their claims.
- Protect Your Data: Never provide your Social Security number, bank details, or credit card numbers to an unsolicited solicitor.
- Verify Independently: If you are contacted about a legal matter, hang up and call the organization directly using a verified number from an official government website.
How to Verify Information in Durham County:
To verify information regarding a warrant, outstanding fine, or jury duty, contact the following agencies directly:
- Durham County Courthouse: (919) 808-3000
- Sheriff's Office Non-Emergency Line: (919) 560-0900
For specific information on jury scams in State and Federal courts, visit:
NC Courts: www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/jury-service/jury-service-scams
Federal Courts: www.uscourts.gov/court-programs/jury-service/juror-scams
NC Courts: www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/jury-service/jury-service-scams
Federal Courts: www.uscourts.gov/court-programs/jury-service/juror-scams