Manatee County Clerk’s office issues warning of recent phone scam

A new phone scam is sweeping through Manatee County, and the Office of Angelina “Angel” Colonneso, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Manatee County, is warning residents to be on high alert.

Beginning the week of July 31, the Manatee Clerk & Comptroller’s office has received several reports from residents saying an individual claiming to be from the Sheriff’s Office has called them claiming a bench warrant has been issued and they must pay a fine to clear their case. Forms of payment will include credit or debit cards or gift cards, such as green dot cards.  

As a reminder to residents, the Sheriff’s Office nor the Clerk’s Office will call you about your case and does not accept payment in the form of gift cards.

What should you do if you receive a call?

The Clerk & Comptroller’s office recommends taking down the person’s name and contact information and calling the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at (941) 747-3011 to report the call.

To check on the status of your case, please contact the Clerk & Comptroller’s Office at (941) 749-1800.

Published: August 11, 2023