ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a jury duty scam.
At least five residents who live in the southern part of the county have reported being contacted by someone using the name of Wade Harris with a phone number identified as 904-254-9033.
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The man tells the victim that they had missed jury duty and they would have to pay a fine of at least $400 or face arrest.
One of the five victims, a 61-year-old woman, purchased a prepaid credit card for over $486 and turned it over to the scammer.
Another victim reported that the caller advised them that a warrant was issued for missing jury duty and they would have to pay $400 to have that warrant rescinded.
"During the holiday season please be advised that con artists along with other criminals attempt to find easy ways to steal money from their victims," the Sheriff's Office said in a news release. "These types of scams may vary from this one and their targets can be anyone, although many times our elderly are singled out."
Deputies said to be wary of any contact that requires you to purchase a "pay card" or "wire" money to the individual. The scams can be received over the telephone, to your email address as well as mail and facsimile machine, deputies said.
There are many additional types of scams that you should be aware of and that are currently being attempted across the country. For additional information, visit the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office website at www.sjso.org, or the FBI website at www.fbi.gov.
If you feel you are a victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement agency to file a report.