Scam Alerts

The Department of Revenue (Department) is aware of a scam that sends texts or emails to taxpayers, residents, and government employees. These messages:

• Ask the recipient to click a link or provide banking information
• Use international phone numbers
• Refer to refunds and laws that do not apply or exist
• Pressure the recipient with deadlines

 

These are scams.

 

The Department of Revenue provides the following advice:

• The Department does not send text messages about tax refunds
• Do not reply or click links
• If you have been a victim of this or any other scam, contact your financial institution and your local sheriff’s office
• Please report the scams

Beware of scammers who claim that you have missed a court date and need to pay cash or gift cards to avoid arrest. This is a fraudulent scheme and you should not fall for it.

Remember:

• The court, the Clerk of Court, or law enforcement will never call you if you miss court or jury duty.
• You will not be asked to pay money to avoid arrest for missing a court date.
• You have the right to due process and to explain your reason for missing a court date before any arrest is made.
• The court, the Clerk of Court, or law enforcement will never demand payment by gift card over the phone.

If you receive such a call, do not give any personal or financial information. Instead, contact our Office at (863)763-2131 or the Sheriff’s Office at (863)763-3117 to report the call immediately.

We are here to serve you. Stay safe and vigilant.

Our office has been advised that scammers may be contacting Florida residents by phone, claiming they are law enforcement, and threatening to charge them for missing a jury duty date if payment is not received. In one of the cases recently reported to the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Office in another county, the scammer claimed $450.00 was owed and would result in an arrest if payment was not made. This is NOT the procedure for enforcing a jury duty summons.

Law enforcement will NOT contact you by phone regarding missing jury duty.  You will first receive correspondence by mail or by delivery in person by an officer giving an opportunity to appear before a judge to explain the reason for missing jury duty. No fine, fee or other monetary payment will be imposed until ordered by a judge.

If your receive a suspicious communication regarding a missed jury duty date, you should contact either the Okeechobee City Police Department at (863) 763-5521 or the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office at (863)763-3117 and report it.