MURFREESBORO, TN –  It is back… again! Just when you thought Rutherford County had finally escaped it, here it comes strolling back like that one relative who swears they’re “just staying a few nights.” Whether you love it, hate it, or pretend not to notice it, the infamous issue has returned to make sure no one gets too comfortable. In case you're wondering what we're talking about? It the good ole' jury duty scam, but this is at that 'NEXT LEVEL,' as in – WHAT? DID? THEY? SAY?

A Murfreesboro resident recently got a phone call from someone who apparently thinks Hollywood courtroom dramas are real life. The caller introduced himself as a U.S. Marshal (because of course scammers always aim high on the résumé) and claimed a judge had issued arrest warrants for the resident’s failure to appear for jury duty on—get this—a murder case.

Now, let’s pause here: people do not get thrown in jail for skipping grand jury. At worst, you get a stern letter and maybe some side-eye from your neighbors. But the scammer in one of the recent cases wasn’t about to let common sense ruin a perfectly good scheme. Instead, he generously offered the victim two choices:

CHOICE #1: March yourself directly to the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center and spend three days behind bars. Do it!

CHOICE #2: Pay a $4,000.52 fine (right down to the penny, because nothing screams “legit government business” like random cents) either online or at a mysterious “federal bonding agency.” You take the pick!

One resident commented, “This guy was serious, dead serious.” The resident said, “It scared me enough that I had to pull over and listen to him.” The scammer must work weekends in the local theater.

The scare tactic might’ve worked—until the scammster decided to pass the phone like a hot potato to another accomplice. At that point, the resident hung up and called the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, who confirmed what we all knew: it was just another scam designed to spook someone out of their money.

So here’s the takeaway: if someone tells you a U.S. Marshal is about to cuff you for skipping jury duty, don’t rush to pack your toothbrush for jail. Just hang up, take a deep breath, and keep your $4,000.52 where it belongs—in your bank account, unless you happen to have a really big wallet.