Demian Schelberger was involved in a minor crash in his Chevy Silverado and received a traffic ticket.
The damage was minimal, but a phone call about a week later ended up costing him hundreds of dollars.
The caller claimed to be Sgt. Anderson from the Volusia County Courthouse civil processing division and referenced Schelberger’s citation by name and details.
“So, this person had all of the information,” Schelberger said. “The price of the ticket. He knew everything, and it made me feel that it was true.”
The voicemail stated the call was about a citation for failure to use due care. “What normal person can know all this information?” Schelberger asked.
After a traffic ticket is issued, it is sent to the county Clerk of the Court’s office, where it becomes a public record.
The ticket details, including date and vehicle type, are accessible online to anyone.
The crooks told Schelberger he could pay the ticket using a payment app to have it removed with no points or penalties.
Schelberger sent the money via Apple Pay, but the crooks claimed they never received it.
He sent the payment twice, losing $332.
“I don’t want something like this to happen to somebody else,” Schelberger said.
This is a new twist on a familiar scheme.
News 6 reported in May and July on jury duty scams where criminals call you and threaten arrest for missed jury duty and demand payment over the phone.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina, Clerk of Courts Tiffany Moore Russell, and Chief Judge Lisa Munyon issued a public service announcement warning the public.
“The clerk’s office will never contact you by phone or email demanding money or personal information,” Russell said.
Schelberger urges others to be cautious. “Because if I can get scammed that easy, somebody else can.”