09/02/2026
🚨 SCAM ALERT: Jury Duty Arrest Scam Targeting Central Florida Residents
Residents across Central Florida—including Lake County and The Villages—should be aware of a convincing jury duty scam involving callers impersonating law enforcement officers.
Our criminal defense firm has learned of reports involving scammers who claim to be with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and tell unsuspecting residents that they have missed jury duty and now face arrest. What makes this scam particularly concerning is how convincing the callers can be.
How the Scam Works
The caller may have access to real personal information, including your name and address. They may also:
• Provide the name and badge number of a real law enforcement officer.
• Give you a legitimate-looking case or citation number.
• Place you on hold while claiming to transfer you to a "supervisor."
• Tell you that you owe a $1,500 federal fee for missing jury duty.
• Offer to "reduce" the amount to $1,000 if you pay immediately.
• Demand payment through Cash App, Venmo, or another electronic payment service.
• Threaten that you will be arrested if you hang up or refuse to pay.
• Claim that, after you pay, they can investigate whether your jury documents were forged.
In some reported versions of the scam, the caller becomes even more aggressive when the person says they want to speak with a spouse, parent, or attorney. The scammer may threaten immediate arrest if the person ends the call.
Do not fall for these threats. Missing Jury Duty Does Not Work This Way.
Failing to appear for jury duty can have legitimate legal consequences, and courts may require someone who misses jury service to explain the absence or appear before a judge. However, a legitimate law enforcement officer will not demand immediate payment through Cash App or Venmo to prevent your arrest.
Scammers deliberately create a sense of urgency and fear. They want you to stay on the phone, prevent you from verifying their story, and make a payment before you have time to think.
The fact that a caller knows your personal information does not mean the call is legitimate.
What Should You Do If You Receive This Call?
If someone calls claiming you missed jury duty and demands money to avoid arrest:
1. Hang up. Do not remain on the phone while the caller attempts to pressure or intimidate you.
2. Do not send money. Never make a payment through Cash App, Venmo, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or another payment method because someone threatens you with arrest.
3. Do not provide personal or financial information.
4. Do not call back the number provided by the caller.
5. Verify the situation independently. Contact the appropriate court or law enforcement agency using a phone number obtained from an official government website or other trusted source.
6. If you already sent money, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
Most importantly, remember that you have the right to take a moment, verify what is happening, and seek legal advice. A legitimate legal matter does not become a criminal emergency simply because a stranger on the telephone says it does.
When in Doubt, Verify Before You Act
These scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. A caller may sound professional, know information about you, and use the names and identifying information of actual law enforcement personnel.
Don't let fear make the decision for you.
If you receive a suspicious call involving an alleged warrant, missed jury duty, arrest, or demand for immediate payment, stop and independently verify the information before taking any action.
Please share this warning with your family, friends, and neighbors—especially older adults who may be targeted by these types of scams.
If you believe you may have an actual legal issue involving jury duty, an arrest warrant, or another criminal matter, consider speaking with a qualified criminal defense attorney before responding.
