02/10/2026
The Rankin County Sheriff's Department has been made aware of a number of scams being used throughout the county in an attempt to defraud residents.
Several of these scams are:
1. Text Message Received: "APPLE ACCOUNT COMPROMISED, CONTACT APPLE IMMEDIATELY"
Residents call the phone number in the message and are connected with the scammer. They are then instructed to purchase Apple gift cards as a means to fix the problem which is all part of the scam.
2. Pop-Up Received: "Click on the link for a chance to WIN"
Residents are unknowingly selecting phishing emails and/or clicking on weblinks that leave their computer systems vulnerable to malicious software. Once the file has been downloaded, scammers have begun infiltrating your financial accounts to wire money to out-of-state or out-of-country entities.
To learn more about recognizing phishing emails there are multiple videos available through YouTube, just search for "how to recognize phishing emails". (RCSD does not promote any creditor's content nor do we make any representation regarding the quality of the information presented).
3. Phone call for a Fake Arrest Warrant: "Deputy/Officer/Marshal contacting you for Missing Jury Duty, pay the fine or go to jail"
Some residents are still being called by individuals using untraceable phone numbers and told they have missed Jury Duty and that they are going to be arrested if they do not pay the fine.
There is NO FINE, you should not pay ANYTHING over the phone.
NO law enforcement agency or court system uses cryptocurrency, Cashapp, Venmo, gift cards, or any other forms of electronic currency. Hang up and call the Rankin County Sheriff's Department at 601-825-1480.
Regardless of the scam used; NEVER provide your personal identity information (Full Name, Date of Birth, Social Security Number, Physical Address, or Telephone Number) to ANYONE over the phone.
NEVER purchase gift cards and provide them to ANYONE over the phone. DO NOT provide ANYONE with your credit/debit card number or bank account information over the phone.