The Iowa Judicial Branch received reports of a phone scam currently in operation in Marshall County.

In the scam, the perpetrators of the scam calls the victim and falsely claim to be from the Marshall County Clerk of Court’s office or with a law firm. In some cases, the phone’s caller ID also shows the call is from the Marshall County Clerk of Court’s office. The caller then informs the victim that there will be a warrant issued for his or her arrest for failure to appear. The caller gives a specific case number and, if the perpetrators is leaving a message, a phone number for the victim to call.

The public should be aware that the phone calls are fraudulent. People who fail to appear are not contacted by telephone. In addition, law offices do not collect fines and fees. Fines and fees can only be paid to the clerk of courts office, by mail or by walk in, or on the secure Iowa Judicial Branch ePay website.

If you receive calls similar to these, do not follow the instructions given. Please call your local law enforcement agency to report the receipt of these types of calls.

Be diligent and aware that there are individuals that will represent themselves under false pretenses for personal gain.