Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Warns of New Phone Scam, Threatening Jail
In Fact, last week .. My Mom Got Two of These Scam Phone Calls, The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Warns of this New Phone Scam, Threatening Jail Unless You Send Money, as well as others happening now in our area.
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office warns people not to listen to scammers impersonating law officers and asking for money.
One of the scams includes, saying there is na warrant out for your arrest, for an old charge, and if you do not pay, they will be there within 24-48 hours to arrest you at your home.
The scammers, will leave a message with a phone number to call back, if you do not answer. In fact, they will even call you several times, and the fear level with their threats increase in their 2nd phone call to you.
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has created a public service announcement to warn residents that the scammers are pretending to be a sergeant or lieutenant and tell victims that they have an arrest warrant for failing to show up to court or to pay a fine or for missing jury duty. The scammer tells the victim they must make a payment by mobile bank transfer, gift card or prepaid debit card. The scammer will pressure the victim to make a quick payment.
The Sheriff’s Office says it will never contact people asking for money or personal financial information. If you receive a call from a suspected scammer, remember the acronym S.C.A.M.:
- Stop and take a breath. Scammers will put you on the spot and make you feel rushed.
- Collect your thoughts. If the call seems suspicious, it probably is.
- Act swiftly, disengage the caller and hang up the phone.
- Make a report with local law enforcement.
Here is the Full Public Service Announcement from The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office:
https://www.sarasotasheriff.org/news_detail_T13_R1242.php
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a scam, contact the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office at 941-316-1201.
The Sheriff's Office also encourages victims to contact Florida’s Division of Consumer Services' toll-free helpline at 877-MY-FL-CFO.
You can also contact the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office at www.SarasotaSheriff.org