Jury Scam Going Around South Florida

FT. LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Next time you answer the phone you could be responding to a scam.

The scam involves the person on the other end of the line telling you that a fine is owed for missing jury duty according to the Sun Sentinel.

Federal court officials with the Southern District of Florida warn the calls are happening and they are not legitimate requests.

"Our court never makes requests for payment of fines from jurors over the telephone," officials told the Sun Sentinel Thursday.

Court officials said residents should not pay any fine requested over the phone and should report any such requests to the Southern District of Florida Jury section at 800-865-1775.

Federal court staffers never ask prospective jurors to provide sensitive information such as Social Security numbers or credit card information over the telephone, they told the Sun Sentinel.