Why Would a Process Server Call Me?

Receiving a voicemail or a direct call from someone claiming to be a process server can instantly spike your heart rate. Your mind likely races to the worst-case scenarios: Are you being sued? Is this a scam? Did you miss a court date?

We understand that anxiety. We are the folks who live and work right here in Central Florida, and we see the confusion on people's faces every day. While the primary job of a process server is to deliver legal documents in person, there are valid, professional reasons why we might pick up the phone first. However, distinguishing between a legitimate legal professional and a scammer is vital for your safety and your legal standing.

This guide will help you understand the purpose of these calls, how to verify the caller's identity, and how to navigate the situation with confidence.

Why do process servers make phone calls?

While the movies make it look like we prefer jumping out from behind bushes, the reality of the profession is much more practical. A process server’s goal is to effectuate service of process—delivering legal documents like subpoenas, summons, or complaints—efficiently and respectfully.

Sometimes, establishing contact over the phone is the most effective way to do this. We might call to conduct preliminary investigation & surveillance to confirm we have the right person before making a trip. This saves everyone time and prevents the embarrassment of a server showing up at your workplace or knocking on your door during a family dinner.

Here are the three most common reasons for a call:

1. Verification of location

Central Florida is a sprawling region. If you live in a gated community in Lake Nona or a secured apartment complex in downtown Orlando, we cannot simply walk up to your front door. A professional server may call to arrange a time to meet at the gate or the leasing office. This ensures the documents are handed off legally without trespassing or causing a scene.

2. Scheduling an appointment

Contrary to popular belief, many people are willing to accept service voluntarily to keep the matter private. A process server might call to ask, "Will you be home this evening, or would you prefer to meet at a neutral location?" This cooperation allows you to take control of the situation.

3. Locating a hard-to-find individual

If a server has tried to visit an address in Dr. Phillips or Winter Park multiple times with no luck, they may call to verify if the address is still current. This is often part of a "skip tracing" effort to update contact information for the court.

How can I tell if the call is a scam?

This is the most critical question you should ask. Unfortunately, bad actors use the guise of "process serving" to intimidate people into giving up money or sensitive information.

A legitimate process server in Orlando, Florida, will never:

• Demand immediate payment via credit card, gift card, or wire transfer over the phone.
• Threaten you with immediate arrest if you do not pay a "fine" right now.
• Ask for your Social Security Number to "verify" your identity (we typically already have the information needed to identify you).

Why it matters: Scammers rely on fear. They want you to panic and act without thinking. A real process server is simply a messenger of the court. We deliver documents; we do not collect debts or enforce judgments over the phone.

Questions to ask the caller

If you're suspicious, do not give out any information. Instead, ask these questions:

• "What is your full name, and what company are you with?"
• "What is the case number and which court is the case filed in?"
• "What is the name of the attorney or party who hired you?"

Once you have this information, hang up. You can then look up the case number on the Clerk of Court’s website for Orange County (or whichever county was mentioned) or call the law firm directly to verify they hired a server.

What are the rules for a process server in Orlando, Florida?

Process serving is a regulated activity. In Florida, servers must adhere to strict statutes regarding how and when they can contact individuals.

Florida law generally prohibits service of process on Sundays, and there are specific rules regarding trespassing. Furthermore, for a process server in Orlando, Florida, to operate legitimately, they usually must be certified by the sheriff in the county where they serve or be appointed by the court.

Timelines you need to know

Understanding the legal clock is essential. Once you have been served a summons, the clock starts ticking on your response time. In Florida civil cases, you typically have 20 calendar days to file a written response with the court.

Why it matters: Ignoring the server or the phone call does not stop the lawsuit. In fact, if a server cannot reach you, the plaintiff might petition the court for "service by publication" (putting a notice in a local newspaper). If that happens, you might lose the case by default without ever seeing the paperwork. Taking the call and accepting the documents gives you the maximum amount of time to consult with an attorney and prepare your defense.

What should I do if I missed a call?

If you have a voicemail from someone claiming to be a process server, do not ignore it.

1. Listen carefully: Note the name, company, and case reference.
2. Verify: Do your own research using the steps mentioned above.
3. Call back: If the information checks out, return the call to arrange a convenient time for delivery.

Meeting a server on your own terms is far better than having them approach you in the parking lot of a grocery store on Colonial Drive. Cooperation allows you to maintain your privacy and dignity.

Summary

A phone call from a process server is not necessarily a sign of trouble—it's often an attempt to handle a legal requirement professionally and courteously. Whether you're a General Counsel vetting vendors or a resident confused by a voicemail, knowing the difference between a professional inquiry and a scam is your best defense.

We are here to help the legal system function smoothly across Central Florida. If you have questions about service of process, need to verify a server, or require professional assistance, we are ready to assist.

Contact Central Florida Process and Investigation at (407) 495-1550 for reliable, professional service you can trust.