Manatee Clerk warns of evolving jury duty scam

The Manatee Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller is alerting residents to a new version of the recurring jury duty scam after receiving a report from a Manatee County resident.

Scammers posing as law enforcement are calling residents claiming they ignored a jury summons that was signed for at their home.

The scam, which in the past claimed that the person missed jury duty, includes threatening arrest and demanding immediate payment via gift cards or other untraceable methods.

“We want to make sure our residents know this is a scam," said Manatee Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Angel Colonneso. "No one will call you threatening arrest or demanding payment for missed jury duty. If you receive this type of call, hang up.”

How legitimate jury summons work:

• Delivered by U.S. Postal mail
• No signature required upon delivery
• Contact information included if you need to reschedule

Residents who receive suspicious calls should hang up immediately. Questions about legitimate jury service can be directed to the Clerk & Comptroller's Jury Coordinator at (941) 749-1800.

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Published date: December 3, 2025