Bradenton, Fla. – The office of Angelina “Angel” Colonneso, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Manatee County, is warning Manatee County citizens of a recently reported jury scam.
According to the report, a victim received a call from a caller identifying themselves as a member of law enforcement. The caller told the victim they had a warrant for missed jury duty and to release the warrant must pay a bond.
The Clerk & Comptroller’s office wants you to know that our office, law enforcement, or the Courts will never call you, demanding you to pay a fine for missed jury duty.
If you suspect you received a call for an attempted jury scam, please report it to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 941-747-3011.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office provides the following tips on how to protect yourself from a phone scam:
- Know government employees will not call you unprompted. Before providing any information or payment, visit the government’s office to verify the contact information.
- Don’t give out or confirm your personal or financial information to someone who calls you.
- Never wire or send money using reloadable gift cards to someone you do not know.
And remember, if the caller is putting pressure on you to act now, this is a scam. Hang up the phone immediately and call the Sheriff’s office to report the call.
About the Clerk’s Office
The Clerk of Circuit Court was established as a public trustee by the Florida Constitution in 1838. The Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the Clerk of Courts, the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, Auditor, Recorder, and Custodian of all County Funds. In Manatee County, the Clerk’s office also administers a local child support enforcement program, violence protection advocacy program, and Teen Court programs. Located at 1115 Manatee Avenue West in downtown Bradenton, the Courthouse is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Please be sure to visit our website and sign up for our electronic newsletter.