Here on Florida’s Gulf Coast, we’ve seen an uptick in process server scams lately. Process service is an integral component of the Florida legal system, upholding the principles of due process and a fair trial. Accurate Serve®, with locations in Fort Myers, LaBelle, Port Charlotte, and Naples, is committed to upholding authenticity and reliability in process serving, and we feel it is our duty to inform the public about these fraudulent process server imposters.
Understanding the Role of Process Servers
To grasp the nature of process service scams, it’s essential to understand what legitimate process servers do. Process servers are professionals who are responsible for delivering legal documents (known as process) to the parties involved in the case or action. This includes summonses, complaints, subpoenas, and other legal documents, which are served to individuals, businesses, and even government entities.
How Process Service Scams Operate
These scams typically involve a con artist posing as a legitimate process server. They aim to extract personal information or money from their victims, often claiming that the victim is being sued and must pay a fee to dismiss the case. They present convincing, official-looking documents and use forceful, aggressive tactics to intimidate the victim. This behavior is never exhibited by reputable process servers, and it’s impossible to pay a process server to dismiss a legal case.
Spotting the Warning Signs
When dealing with a process server in Fort Myers, be vigilant for these warning signs:
Request for Payment
A process server should never ask you to pay for being served, nor claim you can pay to dismiss a legal case. Such demands are clear indicators of fraud and should be reported to law enforcement immediately.
Lack of Identification and/or Certification
Legitimate process servers should be able to provide valid identification and proof of their agency affiliation. Furthermore, we are in the jurisdiction of Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit, which mandates that all process servers complete their certification process before working in this area. If the process server you’re dealing with cannot produce proper ID and proof of certification, it’s safer to avoid any interaction.
Vague Information
Scammers often lack detailed knowledge of the case they are purportedly serving. Asking for specifics can reveal their illegitimacy. If anything seems off about their answers to questions they should know, be wary of their authenticity and intentions.
High-Pressure Tactics
Professional process servers do not need to resort to intimidation or bullying to get their job done. Such behavior is a huge red flag and should be reported to the police immediately.
Legal Framework in Florida
For a quick reference to the operation of process servers in Florida, Title VI, Chapter 48 of the Florida Sunshine Statutes outline the proper procedures. If a process server’s actions are not in line with these rules, or if they are unaware of them, they are likely operating unlawfully.
Staying Safe from Scammers
If you suspect you are dealing with a fake process server, refrain from providing any personal information or financial exchange. Instead, independently verify the case and information by contacting the court where the case supposedly is being heard. If you cannot verify the info they have provided, report the server to law enforcement without delay.
Accurate Serve® of Fort Myers: Dependable and Professional
At Accurate Serve® of Fort Myers, LaBelle, Port Charlotte, and Naples, we prioritize lawful and efficient process serving. Our range of services include process service, document retrieval, skip tracing, and diligent search searches, so we can support your legal needs from start to finish. To start working with us today, send us a work request online or call us at the following numbers:
Fort Myers – (239) 822-7299
LaBelle – (863) 517-3157
Naples – (239) 732-4671
Port Charlotte – (941) 564-3057
Rely on Accurate Serve® for trustworthy and professional process service every time.
