Jury duty scam identified in St Johns County

The Community Affairs Bureau of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office would like to warn Historic City News readers of an active scam that has been identified locally.

A man using the name “Wade Harris” has contacted at least five south St Johns County residents recently by telephone to inform them that they have failed to appear for jury duty and are now facing a fine of at least $400.

“One of the five victims, a 61-year old female, purchased a prepaid debit card for over $486 and turned the account information over to the scammer,” Media Relations Officer Kevin Kelshaw told local news reporters. “We are tracking calls believed to have been placed by the scammer that were identified as coming from (904) 254-9033.”

The victim is told that failure to appear for jury duty is a serious offense and that unless the agreed fine is paid immediately, the victim is subject to arrest. One victim was told that an arrest warrant had already been issued and the only way for it to be rescinded would be the immediate payment of the $400 fine.

During the holiday season, criminals who are intent on separating you from your money will be looking for easy ways to steal from you. Don’t become a victim.

Senior citizens are often targeted by telephone scams because they are more likely to be reached by telephone during the day.

If anyone calls you, before providing identity or financial information, know who you are talking to. Get a telephone number where you can call them back in few minutes. If you are asked to pay by payment card or other prepaid money vendors, be careful.