Sheriff Scott Israel, Chief Judge Jack Tuter and Clerk of Courts Brenda Forman renew their warnings of an ongoing jury duty scam that has been reported in South Florida. The scam involves threats of fines and even jail time.

The U.S. Marshals also warned of a nationwide scam, saying that citizens in South Florida are among those who are being targeted.

Victims reportedly receive phone calls or emails threatening that they have missed jury service, Federal or State, and if they don’t comply with the caller’s requests, they could be fined or face jail time. In the calls or emails, the bogus caller may demand that you provide your personal or confidential information which could lead to identity theft or fraud.

The Miami U.S. Marshals Office said that they are “already aware of numerous individuals in the South Florida area who have been targeted by these jury scammers.””In one case,” the U.S. Marshals said, “the fraudster posed as a U.S. Marshal and stated a federal judge had issued an order to arrest the recipient of the phone call stating they had missed their date for jury duty. Luckily, the victim realized it was a scam and did not provide any personal information to the bogus caller.

“Anyone contacting you to demand a fine or threaten jail time is not connected to the Federal or State Court System nor a member of law enforcement. Federal and State courts normally conduct prospective juror business through the U.S. Postal Service, and any contact by real court officials will not include requests for Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, or any other personally identifiable information.

Members of the public are never contacted initially by email or phone for jury service. Prospective jurors first receive an official court mailing which may direct them to an official website or direct them to call an official juror call in phone number.

If you have received a phone call or email from someone claiming to be from any law enforcement agency and this person demands that you pay a fine, threatens you with jail time or requests your personal information or credit card number, try to get the caller’s number off the caller ID on your phone and write down any details the bogus caller might provide.

Report any calls you receive about this scam as follows:
For State jury duty contact the Broward Sheriff’s Office at (954) 831-8901.
For Federal jury duty, contact the U.S. Marshall’s office call (954) 356-7256