Dodging phone calls, emails and text messages from scammers is a daunting task day in and day out. Scammers are always looking for new ways to try and scam you out of your money.
Sheriff Office’s throughout the state and Attorney General Ashley Moody have warned the public of these scams time and time again.
“Now, we are asking everyone to be aware of a different type of scam we are seeing sweep through Martin County and across the State of Florida,” said Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
“You may have seen them at various intersections throughout Martin County, holding signs stating they are “raising money” for a child battling cancer, wearing hats and t-shirts that support the child,” said MCSO.
In this specific incident, Martin County Sheriff’s Office Community Policing Unit made contact with individuals at the corner of SE Federal Highway and SE Indian Street after receiving calls that they were walking in the roadway soliciting funds.
When our Community Policing Unit made contact with the individuals it was clear they were trying to raise money for, what we thought was, a young child with cancer.
The Community Policing Deputies were able to obtain the real story and where the funds were actually going.
“There is in fact a child named Emilia who is battling cancer and has a Facebook page to allow loved ones and friends to follow her battle and recovery. These individuals tried to capitalize on this young girl battling cancer, only to raise money for their own pockets. The posters, hats and t-shirts used in this scam were only made in an effort to solicit more money by tugging on the heartstrings of our compassionate citizens,” said MCSO.
Please be cautious when donating to any persons soliciting along the roadway. Especially if you are unable to identify and confirm the organization they are representing.
If you are looking for legitimate places to donate your money, do research on the organization before donating. There are many local non-profit organizations that help out residents of all walks of life within Martin County.
You should know where you are donating your money, who you are donating it to, how they use your donation, and how much of your donation actually goes to the people they help.
Although their actions were thoughtless and unethical, they did not violate any Florida State Statutes that would result in criminal arrest but were trespassed from the intersection, according to MCSO.
In the news: Wesley Chapel Man Indicted For Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material, Battery On Minors
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