People ‘spoofing’ Sheriff’s Office’s Victim Advocates’ phone numbers
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public “about a new and disturbing phone scam” in an effort to help people “protect themselves from becoming victims,” the agency has announced.
“Scammers are taking deception to another level by spoofing the phone numbers of Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Victim Advocates to trick unsuspecting residents into believing they’re speaking with a trusted member of our agency,” a news release explains.
“We’ve recently received several reports of scammers impersonating SCSO Victim Advocates, using legitimate agency phone numbers to gain the trust of their targets and convince them to send money,” the release points out.
“In one recent case,” it adds, “a scammer contacted a resident claiming their brother had been arrested” on a charge of Domestic Battery. “The caller offered what appeared to be a legitimate treatment program but insisted a deposit was required,” the release says. “Believing the call was genuine, the resident sent $1,350 through Zelle,” it continues.
“Victim Advocates serve an important role in our criminal justice system, providing support, guidance, and assistance to individuals during some of their most difficult moments,” the release explains. “Scammers are deliberately exploiting that trusted relationship to deceive the very people our agency works to protect,” the release adds.
“If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to represent SCSO, hang up and independently verify the call by contacting our main line at 941-861-5800,” the release says.
“REMEMBER,” the release stresses, representatives of law enforcement agencies “will NEVER call and demand payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps.”
The release adds, “Help us protect our community by sharing this warning with friends and family.”