MONROE COUNTY, Fla. -The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the public about a recent increase in phone and text scams targeting residents. Scammers are impersonating law enforcement officers, government officials, and representatives from various organizations to trick people into sending them money.
These criminals often use a variety of tactics to deceive their victims:
- Impersonating Law Enforcement: Scammers may falsely identify themselves as police officers or sheriff’s deputies, claiming that the victim has missed jury duty or has an outstanding warrant.
- Government and Utility Company Imposters: They may also pose as representatives from government agencies or utility companies, threatening to cut off services unless immediate payment is made.
- Financial Institution Fraud: Scammers may impersonate bank or credit card company employees, claiming there’s a problem with the victim’s account that requires immediate action.
- Distress Calls: They may send alarming messages pretending to be a family member or friend in urgent need of money.
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Red Flags and How to Protect Yourself
The Sheriff’s Office advises residents to be wary of any unsolicited calls or texts requesting money, especially if the request involves unusual payment methods like gift cards or Bitcoin.
Here are some tips to protect yourself from these scams:
- Hang up and verify: If someone contacts you claiming to be from a law enforcement agency, government organization, or financial institution, hang up and contact the organization directly through their official channels to verify the legitimacy of the request.
- Don’t trust urgent demands: Be suspicious of any urgent demands for payment or threats of immediate consequences.
- Never provide personal information: Never give out personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account details, over the phone or through text message.
- Contact family and friends: If you receive a distressing message from a loved one requesting money, contact them directly to confirm the situation before sending any funds.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you suspect a scammer has contacted you or have fallen victim to a scam, save any relevant information, such as text messages or emails, and report it to the Sheriff’s Office. You can report scams online at [www.keysso.net/locations [invalid URL removed] or by calling their non-emergency line.
By staying vigilant and informed, residents can protect themselves from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated scams.
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