The Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s office is warning residents about a telephone scam instructing residents to pay money for missing jury duty.
Recently, our office was made aware of a telephone scam where the caller claims that you missed jury duty. The caller will claim to be an official with the Clerk’s office or a local law enforcement agency and tell you that you are facing arrest and jail time unless you cooperate. The caller will then attempt to “authenticate” your identity by asking for personal information like your date of birth and social security number, or the caller will tell you that the “bail” can be paid to them in person or by wiring them the money immediately. Some will even demand that you purchase prepaid debit cards (green cards) or offer to take your credit or debit card over the phone to pay the
bond, so you are not arrested.
This elaborate scheme is one of many, which are threatening residents with heavy fines or jail time. If you are summoned for jury duty, you will receive an official notice in the mail from the Leon County Clerk of Court. And, if you miss jury duty, the Clerk’s office will not call or e-mail
you asking for payment. We caution citizens to beware of unsolicited telephone calls or suspicious emails. The Clerk and Comptroller’s office does not make unsolicited telephone calls regarding jury duty.
If you are targeted for a scam, do not provide any personal or financial information. You are encouraged to report it to your local law enforcement agency.
To confirm if you were summoned for jury duty, contact the Jury Coordinator’s office at (850) 606-4007 or via email at Clerk_Jury@leoncountyfl.gov. For more information about the Leon County Clerk’s office, please contact us.