Jackson scammers issuing phony bench warrants

JACKSON (WNE) — The Teton County Sheriff’s Office reports that people have recently received a single-page document via text telling them they are being contacted by the “Superior Court of Wyoming, Teton County,” and claiming a bench warrant has been issued for contempt of court due to their failure to appear for jury duty.

This new scam makes references to 9th District Court Judge Melissa Owens, District Court Clerk Anne Sutton and Sheriff Matt Carr while listing a contact deputy’s name and number.

“Hang up,” Sheriff’s Sgt. John Faicco said if someone calls asking for money and identifying as law enforcement with a warrant.

Law enforcement officers say scammers are constantly changing their tactics to become more convincing. It is common for scammers to target vulnerable people.

“You will never receive a copy of a federal warrant via regular U.S. mail, and especially not via email or via text,” Vikki Migoya, public affairs officer for the FBI’s Denver headquarters, wrote in a news release. “Also know that no government agency at any level will ask you to pay in gift cards, gold or cryptocurrency.”

Never share personally identifying information with a caller you have not initiated contact with — or have not verified as legitimate, Migoya said.

This story was published on Dec. 31, 2025.