JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — The Jacksonville Beach Police Department has issued a warning regarding a scam involving fake jury duty claims and fake outstanding warrants. Fraudulent callers are contacting residents and demanding money under threat of arrest.
According to police, scammers pose as law enforcement officers and use real names and badge numbers to make their calls sound legitimate.
They pressure victims to pay immediately through unusual methods, including gift cards, cryptocurrency, and wire transfers.
The Jacksonville Beach Police Department urged the public to remain vigilant against deceptive callers. “Have you received a phone call claiming you have an outstanding warrant for missing jury duty and need to pay money to avoid arrest? Don’t fall for it!” the department stated.
Officials emphasized that legitimate officers will never make such demands over the phone.
Police urged residents to safeguard their personal details when receiving unexpected phone calls. “Never provide your Social Security number, banking information, or other personal information to an unsolicited caller,” the department advised, warning individuals: “Don’t be pressured into making an immediate payment.”If a call appears fraudulent, officials recommend ending the conversation immediately rather than using contact information supplied by the caller. “If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the agency directly using an official phone number. Not the number they called from or gave you,” the department advised. “When in doubt, hang up and verify. Don’t let scammers scare you into giving them your money or personal information.”
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