Orlando, FL – Residents across Central Florida are being warned today about a rising phone scam in which callers pose as law enforcement or court officials and threaten people with arrest for allegedly missing jury duty.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the scammers are contacting residents and claiming they must pay immediate fines or risk being taken into custody. Deputies emphasized that the callers are not legitimate officials and urged residents not to provide money or personal information.
Officials noted that the Ninth Circuit Court of Florida does not notify residents by phone with threats of arrest. Legitimate jury notifications are mailed on official letterhead or handled in person, not through urgent calls demanding payment. The Sheriff’s Office reiterated that any request for gift cards, wire transfers, or digital payment should be treated as a clear sign of fraud.
Orange County deputies say these scams tend to increase during tax season and major holidays, when scammers expect residents to be distracted. Anyone who receives a suspicious call is encouraged to hang up immediately and verify information directly with local authorities.
Residents who believe they may have been targeted or provided information to a scammer should contact county officials. In Orange County, victims can call 407-836-2023, while Osceola County residents can reach the Sheriff’s Office at 407-742-2421 for assistance.
Officials urge the public to share this information with neighbors, family members, and especially seniors, who are often targeted in high-pressure scam attempts.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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