FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Coconino County Superior Court is warning residents about an ongoing phone scam in which callers falsely claim to be employees of the Coconino County Detention Facility or court staff.
According to court officials, several residents have recently reported receiving phone calls from individuals who identify themselves as detention facility employees. In these calls, the scammer claims there is a Superior Court order from a specific judge and demands that the recipient provide personal or financial information or make an immediate payment to resolve the issue. Callers often use threatening language, including warnings that a warrant could be issued for the resident’s arrest.
Court officials emphasize that these calls are fraudulent.
Employees of the detention facility and court staff will not threaten residents, use aggressive language, or demand personal or financial information over the phone. The court also does not request payments by phone. Official correspondence from the court is sent by mail through the U.S. Postal Service directly to a resident’s physical address.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is sharing the following tips to help residents avoid becoming victims of scams:
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Always be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls, texts, or emails.
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Be cautious of spoofed phone numbers or email addresses, even if they appear to be from a law enforcement or government agency.
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Hang up and independently look up the agency’s official phone number to verify legitimacy.
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Never use a phone number provided by the caller to confirm their identity.
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Never provide money or personal information to someone you do not know or did not contact first.
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Trust your instincts—if something feels off, hang up.
Anyone who believes they have been contacted by someone claiming to be court or detention staff and requesting personal or financial information is urged to contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at 928-774-4523 or their local law enforcement agency.
