COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. - Collier County Sheriff's Office investigators have received information that a pyramid scheme called Circle of Sisters may be going on in the area.

The scheme, usually targeted at women, calls for invited participants to contribute $5,000 to the circle. The promise is that as participants move closer to the center of the circle they will receive up to $40,000 as new members join.

CCSO wants the public to be aware that not only are participants likely to lose the money they contribute to the circle, participating in, organizing or being affiliated with such schemes is a crime in Florida.

The Naples Police Department would like to make you aware of an identity fraud scam that has been perpetrated throughout the U.S. over the past several years. While we have not had any reported instances of this fraudulent practice in our area, one must protect oneself against this type of crime. The practice of phone scams has been going on for years. This particular fraud is just a new twist on an old trick. The scammer will call claiming to work for the local court and claims that you've failed to report for jury duty. He tells you that a warrant has been issued for your arrest. When the victim states that they never received jury duty verification, the scammer then asks the victim for confidential information for "verification" purposes. Specifically, the scammer asks for the victim's Social Security number, birth date, and sometimes even credit card numbers, which is exactly what the scammer needs to commit identity theft.

Don't become the victim of a Jury Duty Scam! How can one avoid this?

Be aware of the following:

Collier County Clerk of the Courts employees will never call you to ask for personal information. The jury selection process is computerized and you would verify your need to appear after notice by either telephone or the internet.
Never give out any personal information over the phone if you did not initiate the call. This would include your Social Security number, date of birth, credit card numbers, or bank account numbers. If a caller insists on "verifying" information with you, have them read you their data to confirm or deny, but again don't provide them with any personal information.

Examine your credit card and bank account statements thoroughly, keeping an eye for any unauthorized charges. Immediately report any discrepancies to your financial institution.