Fraud Alerts
Overview
Fraud and scam activities involving local Clerk of Courts offices and state government agencies in Florida have raised growing concerns in recent years. These schemes often target both the public and the court system, ranging from fraudulent court fee collections and identity theft to manipulation of official records. Scammers may pose as court officials to demand fake payments for missed jury duty or legal fines.
The Fraud Alerts webpage serves as a proactive tool to educate the community and reinforce the office’s commitment to public service and accountability by offering timely updates, safety tips, and official warnings.
If someone contacts you requesting personal information or money, hang up immediately and report the incident to your local law enforcement agency.
Remember:
- We will never call you to demand payment or threaten legal action.
- We do not request personal or financial information over the phone or via unsolicited emails or texts.
- If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email, disregard it and contact our office directly to verify the information.
- If you believe you’ve been targeted or have already provided information, report the incident to law enforcement and notify our office immediately.
If you think you may have been the victim of a scam, you should contact your local law enforcement agency or the Florida Division of Consumer Services Scams and Fraud at 800-HELP-FLA or 850-410-3800.
Jury Duty Scam Alert
Beware of any phone calls, emails, or texts claiming you missed jury duty. These are scams trying to solicit or steal money or personal information under false pretenses.
What you need to know:
- Official jury duty notifications are sent by mail – never by phone, email, or text.
- Courts will NEVER demand payment or request sensitive information like your Social Security number over the phone.
Scammers may:
- Pretend to be court officials or law enforcement.
- Claim you missed jury duty and must pay a fine to avoid arrest.
- Ask for personal or financial information.
What you should do:
- Do NOT provide personal or financial information.
- Hang up or disengage immediately if someone threatens arrest or demands payment.
- Report the incident to your local law enforcement agency.
Other Related Information:
- Refer to the joint statement issued on behalf of Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips, and Broward Clerk of Courts Brenda Forman about ongoing jury duty scams.
- For official jury duty information, visit the Clerk of Courts Jury Services web page.
FLHSMV Payment Scam Alert
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), has confirmed an active scam involving fraudulent text messages impersonating their agency. They often contain links or request personal/payment information.
These scam messages may claim:
- You have unpaid tolls
- Your vehicle registration is suspended
- Other urgent vehicle-related issues.
If you receive one of these, FLHSMV phishing scam alerts :
- Do not click on any links
- Do not reply to the message
- Do not give out personal or financial information
What you should do:
- Delete the message immediately
- Verify directly with FLHSMV via their official website or phone number.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or your messaging app.
Important Reminders: FLHSMV will NEVER request payment or personal information via text message.
Brenda D. Forman
Connect with Us
TranslateMain Courthouse Location
201 SE 6th Street
Fort LauderdaleFlorida, US 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Public Records Custodian Pursuant to 119.12(2), F.S.
Public Access to Judicial Records Pursuant To Rule 2.420
Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity.
Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.
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