Jury Duty Scam Resurfaces In Manatee County

BRADENTON, FL — Manatee County residents are being warned to take care if someone calls to chat about missed jury duty. Chances are the person on the other end of the line will be out to part residents from their money.

According to Angelina Colonneso, Manatee County’s clerk of court, her office has received an uptick of reports related to the "jury scam.” This scam involves a caller who tells a potential victim they work with the clerk’s office or are from a local law enforcement agency, Colonneso said. The caller will also tell victims they’re facing jail time unless they cooperate.

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“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,” an email from Colonneso’s office said. “Some will even offer to take your credit or debit card over the phone to pay the bond so you are not arrested.”

Residents who are summoned for jury duty will receive official notes in the mail sent directly by the Manatee County Clerk of Court. If jury duty is missed, the clerk’s office will not call or email skippers asking for a payment, Colonneso said.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has been warning about the jury duty scam for years. Back in 2006, the agency noted the scam’s “bold simplicity” is what makes it work so well in many cases. That threat of unexpected arrest, the agency said, is enough to catch people off guard.

People who are targeted by the jury scam are urged to not give out personal information over the phone. If concerns exist, report scam attempts to local law enforcement.

For more information about the jury scam, visit the FBI online.

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