The North Port Police Department has received a few reports of residents being contacted by scammers posing as law enforcement officers from various agencies, under the guise that the victims did not report for jury duty. The bad actors then coerce the potential victims into sending money in lieu of arrest. This will never be the case by any agency. Please know that this is a scam. If you have any questions about jury duty, please contact www.sarasotaclerk.com/court-services/jury-information
The scheme has been reported in Manatee and Sarasota counties, but the extent is still unclear.
Authorities warns residents not to give out personal or financial information over the phone to strangers, especially if they act aggressively or threaten. If anyone asks for payment s via a gift card, that’s a red flag that it’s likely a scam.