MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – Local residents are being targeted by a wave of aggressive phone and text scams featuring thieves who pose as law enforcement officers, jail officials, and court personnel to steal money.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning after receiving multiple recent reports of fraudsters using the agency’s name to extort victims. According to officials, the criminals often use the names of real law enforcement officers to build trust. They then claim the victim missed jury duty, owes a fine for a traffic infraction, or is tied to a fabricated criminal case. In some instances, the scammers have even targeted individuals who are already facing real, ongoing criminal charges.
To make the ruse more convincing, the thieves are sending out fake court documents and official-looking notifications via text and email. They typically demand immediate payment to resolve the issue, frequently insisting on Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies, or gift cards.
Authorities emphasize that legitimate government entities will never demand these forms of payment.
“A sure sign of a scam is anyone asking for payment for anything via gift cards or Bitcoin,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in a release.
The warning also noted that similar tactics are being used by scammers pretending to represent utility companies, banks, and credit card issuers. Another variation involves fraudsters posing as distressed family members or friends who claim to need cash immediately for an emergency.
Law enforcement officials urge anyone who receives a suspicious or demanding message to pause and verify the claims before taking action.
“If someone contacts you asking for money, purporting to be from a law enforcement agency, any government organization or utility company, a bank, a credit card company, and so forth — hang up and contact the organization yourself,” the agency advised. “If you receive a distressing message from a family member/friend needing money immediately, always contact that family member/friend before sending money.”
Residents who encounter these messages are asked to save the texts, emails, or phone numbers involved and report the incident directly to the Sheriff’s Office by visiting www.keysso.net/locations.
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