OCALA, Fla. — Ocala police want to you to know about a phone scam they say is trying to trick people out of their money.
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Investigators said multiple residents have reported getting phone calls demanding money from someone claiming to be an Ocala Police Department employee.
Police said in at least one case, a scammer pretended to be an officer, and told a citizen they needed to pay a $2,000 fine to avoid being arrested for missing jury duty.
READ: Marion County deputy shoots armed suspect after fleeing traffic stop, sheriff’s office says
The resident almost fell for it, but eventually caught on after the scammer instructed them to purchase a prepaid card to settle the phony debt, OPD said.
Police are reminding residents that they would never contact citizens to send money, buy gift cards or give out personal information.
READ: Phone scam alert issued by Marion County Sheriff’s Office
If you get a call like this, the Ocala Police Department wants to hear from you at 352-369-7000.
Other law enforcement agencies in Central Florida, including Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Orange County Sheriff’s Office have recently issued alerts about phone scams.
Orange County deputies warn over scammers threatening jail for missed jury duty
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