Learn how to protect yourself from fraudulent phone calls impersonating U.S. Marshals or government officials, targeting Florida residents.

Across the Middle District of Florida, a rise in fraudulent phone calls is alarming citizens. These scammers are posing as U.S. Marshals or other government officials, telling unsuspecting victims they are facing arrest for missing jury duty. The tactic? The scammers claim the victim can avoid arrest by paying a fine immediately. This surge in fraudulent activity has prompted Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg to issue a strong warning to the public, urging them to remain vigilant against such scams.

These phone calls are carefully crafted to seem legitimate. The scammers often possess personal information about the victim, such as addresses or dates of birth, and may even use real names of federal judges or court employees. Sometimes, they take it a step further by “spoofing” phone numbers, making the call appear to be from a legitimate government source. The ultimate goal is to manipulate victims into believing they must immediately pay a fine using prepaid debit or gift cards or through electronic payment to avoid arrest.

The truth is, these calls are fraudulent, and neither U.S. Marshals nor court officials will ever demand payment or personal information over the phone. If you receive such a call, do not share your financial details or make any payments. Hang up and report the call to the appropriate authorities.

How the Scam Works

These scammers rely on creating a sense of urgency. They inform the victim that they missed jury duty and are now at risk of being arrested unless they pay a fine immediately. To make the call appear more credible, the scammers might reference actual court addresses, badge numbers, and case information. Some victims have even reported receiving caller ID numbers that appear to be from official government offices, further adding to the sense of legitimacy.

Once the scammer has the victim’s attention, they guide them through purchasing a prepaid debit card or gift card, often claiming that this is the only way to pay the fine and avoid arrest. They may even pressure the victim into providing personal financial details over the phone.

The real danger lies in the victim’s reaction to the perceived threat. Out of fear and a desire to comply with what seems to be a lawful demand, victims may act quickly without considering whether the call is genuine. Scammers exploit this fear to defraud victims of their money.

Important Facts to Keep in Mind

It’s essential to be aware of the official procedures when it comes to jury duty and how the court system operates:

  • The court always sends jury summonses by U.S. mail. If you’re being contacted about jury duty, it won’t be through a phone call demanding payment.
  • The court will never ask for personal financial information over the phone. This includes credit card numbers, bank routing numbers, or wire transfers.
  • If you’ve missed a jury summons, you may receive a letter from the District Court Clerk’s Office or, in some cases, an order to appear before a judge. This will always be in writing and signed by a judge.
  • Fines for failing to appear for jury duty will never be payable via gift cards. Any fine will be imposed in open court after you’ve had the opportunity to explain your failure to appear.
  • If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scammer, report the incident to the District Court Clerk’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, or the Federal Trade Commission. You can report anonymously if you prefer.

How to Protect Yourself

To avoid becoming a victim of this type of fraud, remember that a legitimate jury duty notification will never involve a phone call requesting immediate payment. Courts follow strict procedures, and you will always have the opportunity to appear before a judge to explain your situation if you’ve missed a jury summons. Fines or other penalties are handled openly in court and are never collected over the phone or through prepaid cards.

If you receive a suspicious phone call, resist the pressure to act immediately. Scammers rely on creating a sense of urgency, hoping that you will react before thinking things through. Take the time to verify the information you’ve been given. You can always contact the Clerk’s Office of the U.S. District Court directly to confirm whether you’re truly facing any legal consequences.

The Middle District of Florida has also emphasized the importance of reporting these fraudulent calls. By sharing information with the authorities, you not only protect yourself but also help prevent other citizens from falling victim to the same scam.

What to Do if You’re Targeted

If you suspect you’ve received a fraudulent call, here’s how you can respond:

  • Do not provide any personal or financial information to the caller.
  • Do not make any payments, especially using prepaid cards or wire transfers.
  • Hang up the phone and immediately report the call to the appropriate authorities, including the U.S. Marshals Service, your local FBI field office, or the Federal Trade Commission.

Additionally, if you want to verify the legitimacy of a call, you can always contact the District Court Clerk’s Office. Their phone numbers are available on the official website of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

Stay Vigilant Against Jury Duty Scams

As these scams continue to rise, staying informed and alert is crucial. The scammers are becoming more sophisticated in their methods, but the key to avoiding becoming a victim lies in understanding the official processes surrounding jury duty. If you or someone you know receives a suspicious call, report it immediately, and remember that no court official will ever demand payment over the phone.

Call to Action: Protect Your Rights

If you’ve been charged with a criminal or traffic offense in Florida, it’s essential to seek legal guidance. Protect yourself from further harm by consulting an experienced attorney. Contact Musca Law 24/7/365 at 1-888-484-5057 for a FREE consultation. Musca Law, P.A. has a dedicated team of criminal defense attorneys ready to defend people charged with criminal or traffic offenses throughout all 67 counties in Florida.