The Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida is urging residents to stay alert for an increasingly common type of scam in which callers falsely claim that an individual has missed jury duty and now faces arrest unless immediate payment is made. These fraudulent calls continue to target members of the public across the state, often using intimidation tactics to obtain money or personal information.
Scammers frequently pose as law‑enforcement officers, court employees, or other government representatives. They may use official‑sounding titles, spoof legitimate phone numbers, and reference local agencies to appear credible. Victims are told they failed to appear for jury duty and must resolve the issue by paying fines or fees through electronic payment methods, gift cards, or other untraceable means. In some cases, scammers threaten arrest, wage garnishment, or home visits if the victim does not comply.
The Sixth Judicial Circuit Court wants the public to know the following:
• The Court never calls individuals to demand payment for missed jury service.
• The Court never threatens arrest by phone, email, or text message.
• The Court never asks for financial information, gift cards, or electronic payments relating to jury duty.
• Official jury duty communications are sent by mail, not by unsolicited phone calls.
Residents who receive suspicious calls should hang up immediately. Do not provide any personal or financial information. If you are concerned about the legitimacy of a communication involving jury service, you may contact the Jury Services Offices directly using the official links listed on the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court’s website.
If you believe you have been targeted or victimized by a scam, you are encouraged to report the incident to local law enforcement and the Florida Attorney General’s Fraud Hotline.
The Sixth Judicial Circuit Court remains committed to protecting the public and ensuring that residents have accurate information about their civic responsibilities. Awareness and caution remain the best defenses against scams of this nature.