ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- Some people are getting phone calls saying they've failed to report for jury duty, but it's the newest twist in identity theft and even the experts say it's so good it could fool you. The warning stretches from Florida across the country.

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Investigators want you to know about it before you become the next victim. Part of the reason the scam works is because the caller scares the victim right off the bat, saying there's a warrant for their arrest for ignoring a jury summons. Then they ask for your personal information to help clear it all up.

It starts with a phone call. The scammer says he's from the local courthouse and that you've failed to show up for jury duty. You don't remember getting a summons in the mail because you didn't. Detectives say most people would already be on edge.

"Especially if they say, 'We have a warrant for you,' and you're somebody that's never been arrested, never been in trouble, first thing is gonna catch 'em off guard. They're gonna be nervous," explained Detective Vince Montgomery, Orlando Police Department, Economic Crimes Division.

Often times, the listener is nervous enough to answer the caller's questions, like their social security number, date of birth or credit card information. There are already victims in nine states and courthouses around the country are warning the public. It hasn't hit Central Florida, yet.

"It's definitely a matter of time. They'll move state to state or somebody else will hear about it and they'll start trying to do the scam here locally," said Detective Montgomery.

Court administrators say all of their correspondence with potential jurors is done through the mail, never by phone unless you call them first.

"It's a scary thought to see people being taken advantage of and the citizens need to be alert and aware and refrain from giving any personal information over the telephone," said Orange County Court Judge Hon. Antionette Plogstedt.

It's information that can lead to identity theft. Detectives have advice on how to protect yourself.

"You start asking questions and digging for information about them and they'll usually hang up and move on to the next victim," said Detective Montgomery.

Of course, court officials are hoping if these scammers want to keep pretending to be a part of the court system, they'll ultimately end up there on their way to prison.