Lake City, FL – Residents across Columbia County are being warned today about a continuing phone scam in which callers falsely claim to be from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and demand immediate payment to avoid arrest.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, several citizens recently reported receiving calls from individuals claiming they had “missed jury duty” and now faced an active warrant. The scammers then allegedly threatened the victims with arrest unless they paid fines through online payment services or by purchasing a prepaid credit card and providing the numbers over the phone.
CCSO noted that some callers also instruct victims to deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs or send cryptocurrency—another red flag that the agency says confirms the call is fraudulent. For any legitimate fine or court-related payment, residents must use official government portals or pay directly at a courthouse. Deputies emphasized that residents should always verify suspicious calls by dialing the agency’s official phone number and speaking with a representative.
The Sheriff’s Office also stressed that it will never call citizens to inform them of an impending arrest. Deputies said that if someone is being arrested, they will be notified in person, not by phone.
Residents with questions about jury duty in Columbia County are urged to contact the Clerk of Courts Office directly at 386-719-7428 to verify notices or obligations.
Anyone who has encountered this scam is encouraged to report it to local authorities.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
