Complaints have been received about callers identifying themselves as deputy clerks with the Clerk’s Office or officers of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office...
Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.
Already have an account? Log in to continue. Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
Please log in to continue |
OKEECHOBEE — Clerk of Court and Comptroller, Jerald D. “Jerry” Bryant, warns Okeechobee residents about recent telephone scams that have been reported in Florida and specifically in Okeechobee County.
Complaints have been received about callers identifying themselves as deputy clerks with the Okeechobee County Clerk’s Office or officers of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office stating a warrant has been issued for the victim’s arrest for failure to report for jury duty. The callers then demand a payment to avoid executing the arrest warrant. These scammers may also threaten victims with more jail time if they break a phony “gag order” by discussing the incident with anyone.
Some other residents around Florida have received calls stating they have an arrest warrant for failure to appear for court, rather than for failure to report for jury duty.
While residents must legally respond to a jury summons, the Clerk of Courts does not issue arrest warrants for a failure to report.
Bryant cautions Okeechobee residents about paying or transferring money over the phone or internet to anyone calling about failure to appear for court or to report for jury duty. “No one from our Clerk’s Office will call you about these matters. And we certainly would not demand payment of money to cancel an arrest warrant issued by a judge,“ said Bryant, “So, if you receive any calls asking you to immediately pay or transfer money like this, it is a scam. Immediately hang and report it to our office or to the Sheriff’s Office.”
Calls asking for payments made by cash, gift card or over the phone transfer are almost certainly fraudulent. Because caller ID can be spoofed to look like the call is coming from a legitimate source, you cannot rely on that anymore. You should never give personal or financial information over the phone to a stranger, especially if the caller acts aggressively or threatens arrest.
The Okeechobee County Clerk of Court Office number is 863-763-2131, extension 1168 or 1170. The Sheriff’s Office number is 863-763-3117.
For more information, visit www.MyOkeeClerk.com.
