Attorney General Ashley Moody has taken action to address the rising issue of jury duty scams in Florida. In response to reports of scams targeting Floridians, Moody has released a new resource called Scams at a Glance: Sham or Summons. The resource aims to educate individuals on how to recognize and avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.
In a statement, Attorney General Ashley Moody expressed concern over the increase in jury duty scams, stating, “There has been a recent uptick in reports of jury duty scams, and I have heard personally from many Floridians who received calls from imposters posing as court officials claiming they missed jury duty and face fines or arrest." Moody emphasized the importance of awareness and prevention in combatting these scams.
Scams at a Glance: Sham or Summons provides essential information for Floridians to protect themselves, including the fact that jury summons are sent through the mail, not via email, phone call, or text message. The resource also highlights that government offices will never demand payment over the phone and that fines are only imposed after an individual appears in court to explain their absence. Additionally, individuals are advised to be cautious of solicitors requesting payment through gift cards, money transfer apps, or wire transfers.
To report jury duty scams, individuals are encouraged to contact their local county clerk’s office through the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers website at FLClerks.com. Scams at a Glance is part of an outreach program that aims to educate consumers about various scams and empower them to avoid falling prey to fraudulent activities.
The release of this resource underscores Attorney General Moody's commitment to protecting Floridians from deceptive practices and ensuring their safety and security in the face of evolving threats.