PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) is alerting residents to a recent phone scam where the suspect impersonates a PCSO employee.
According to detectives, the suspect calls residents, claiming to be “Lieutenant James Perry” of the PCSO. The caller then falsely informs the citizen they have outstanding warrants due to a missed court date.
Here are the red flags:
- Caller ID spoofing: The suspect uses technology to block their real phone number.
- Phony call to action: The suspect directs the citizen to call a non-PCSO phone number, (656) 650-1745.
- Demand for money or personal information: The PCSO will never request money or banking information over the phone.
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The PCSO reminds residents:
- We will never call you to demand money or personal information.
- If you receive a suspicious call, do not give out any personal details.
- Hang up and call the PCSO directly at (727) 582-6200 to report the scam.
If you have been targeted by this scam or have information about it, please contact the PCSO at (727) 582-6200.
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