HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of a recent increase in phone scams where individuals are impersonating HCSO employees.
Scammers are targeting residents by phone, claiming to be deputies and falsely stating that the victim has an outstanding warrant. To avoid arrest, the scammers demand large sums of money, instructing victims to withdraw cash or send payments through Bitcoin or gift cards.
“The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office will never solicit payments over the phone, especially through unconventional methods like cash delivery or cryptocurrency,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from the Sheriff’s Office and demanding money, hang up immediately and report the incident to us.”
Read: IRS Criminal Investigation Tampa Field Office Warns Of Financial Scams After Tax Season
Please call 813-247-8200 to report the call or report online.
Here are some key reminders to avoid falling victim to phone scams:
- The Sheriff’s Office will never request money or personal information over the phone.
- Warrants are not resolved through cash payments.
- Legitimate law enforcement agencies do not accept Bitcoin or gift cards for payments.
If you suspect a scam is targeting you, HCSO encourages you to:
- Hang up the phone immediately.
- Do not provide any personal information.
Additionally, residents are encouraged to share this information with friends and family, especially those more vulnerable to these scams.
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