Manatee Sheriff's Office Warning Scammers are Posing as Them on Caller ID
PHONE SCAM: Scammers are at it again! Manatee County Sheriff's Office detectives are investigating reports of scammers using the tactic known as Caller ID Spoofing to pose as MCSO deputies using the real MCSO phone number, (941) 747-3011. They are attempting to scam potential victims out of money by claiming they have fines they need to pay immediately to avoid an arrest.
Recently, a man was told he was in contempt of court for missing jury duty, and needed to pay a fine of over $1500 immediately to avoid going to jail. The scammer also identified themselves using the name of a real deputy in an attempt to make the potential victim believe the call was legitimate. Unfortunately, this man fell for the scam, provided the scammers with gift cards, and has yet to get his money back.
If this happens to you, hang up and call The Manatee County Sheriff's Office at: 941-747-3011.
For more information on this scam and how you can protect yourself, visit https://www.manateesheriff.com/_T24_R77.php
Photo: Manatee County Sheriff's Office