Jury Duty Scam Resurfaces in Manatee County, Officials Urge Residents to Ignore Fraudulent Calls

A familiar scam targeting residents with threats tied to missed jury duty has resurfaced in Manatee County, prompting renewed warnings from local authorities.

Scammers are contacting individuals by phone and email, falsely claiming they failed to report for jury duty and must immediately pay a fine to avoid arrest. These messages are designed to appear legitimate, often using spoofed phone numbers and official-looking email addresses to trick recipients into believing they are dealing with a government agency.

Officials emphasize that legitimate jury duty notifications are sent through the mail, not by phone or email. Residents who have not received an official letter regarding jury service are not at risk, and any demand for immediate payment under threat of arrest is a clear sign of fraud.

The scam relies on urgency and fear, pressuring victims to act quickly without verifying the information. Authorities advise residents to ignore such communications and never provide payment or personal information in response to unsolicited requests.

Anyone who is uncertain about a jury duty notice is encouraged to contact the Manatee County Clerk of Court directly at 941-749-1800 and ask for the Jury Coordinator to confirm the legitimacy of the request.

Officials continue to remind the public to remain cautious, verify suspicious claims, and report potential scams to help pro

tect the community.