ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Imagine answering a call from someone claiming to be a sheriff’s deputy. They say you missed jury duty, there’s a warrant out for your arrest, and unless you pay a fine immediately, you’re going to jail.

It’s terrifying…and it’s fake.

In recent weeks, the Ask Anthony team has received multiple messages from First Coast viewers shaken by a new wave of jury duty scams.

Robin emailed Ask Anthony after she received one of these calls:

“Yesterday I was scammed but didn’t lose money but was very close till I decided to hang up the call. I had a phone call yesterday afternoon saying that I was going to be arrested because I missed jury duty and that if I didn’t pay I would be arrested. I finally realized it was a scam. I was so shaken up and terrified!”

Jeffrey had a similar experience:

“I had a scam call from a sheriff’s deputy saying I missed a jury duty summons. This fake deputy called me a felon with a contempt of court and failure to appear charge. He was extremely careful to sound like a real officer. He ultimately wanted me to go to a bank and post bail for myself.”

These are textbook tactics in what authorities call the jury duty scam and it’s showing up across the country.

Scammers aren’t just calling anymore. In St. Johns County, they’re also sending fake emails and text messages that look like they’re from the Clerk of Court’s office. The message claims you missed jury duty and owe a fine.

But here’s the red flag: they want you to pay through apps like CashApp or Venmo.

According to Melissa Bergman with the St. Johns County Clerk of Courts, that request alone should tip you off.

“The Clerk’s Office will never contact anyone by phone, email, or text about jury duty,” she said. “All official communications come by U.S. Mail only.”

If you receive one of these calls, texts, or emails:

• Do not respond
• Do not click any links
• Do not send money          

If you receive one of these scam messages in St. Johns County, report it immediately by calling the Clerk of Courts office at 904-819-3600 or your local law enforcement.