PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Scammers posing as law enforcement officers are targeting Pasco County residents by falsely demanding payment for missed jury duty, according to a warning issued by the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.
Callers involved in the scheme frequently impersonate agency officials, sometimes using the names of actual sheriff’s office members to build credibility. Victims are informed that they missed mandatory jury service and must immediately pay a fine to avoid arrest or legal trouble.
To process these fraudulent payments, scammers instruct victims to transfer funds through digital payment platforms, including PayPal, Bitcoin, and Zelle. According to authorities, the perpetrators often hide their identity by using blocked numbers or spoofing official Pasco Sheriff’s Office phone numbers, making incoming calls appear as though they originate from the agency’s general information line.
The sheriff’s office clarified that it plays no role in administering court summonses or handling fine collections.
“PSO does not manage jury duty notifications, and we stress that these messages are not legitimate,” the agency stated in a release.
Officials emphasized that government agencies do not collect fines over the phone or demand peer-to-peer payment apps for any legal matter.
“PSO will never contact individuals for any form of payment to resolve issues, criminal or otherwise,” the agency said.
Residents who receive suspicious calls demanding money or personal information are urged to hang up immediately and report the incident to local law enforcement.
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