PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is sounding the alarm on a wave of scams specifically designed to exploit older residents. In a public advisory issued Thursday, deputies warned that fraudsters are increasingly using aggressive tactics to pressure seniors into handing over their hard-earned savings.
Law enforcement officials are urging the public to be extremely skeptical of anyone demanding immediate payment. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency, insisting that victims send cash or gift cards through the mail.
In some cases, criminals have even instructed seniors to hand over money to drivers from ride-sharing services.
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The Sheriff’s Office reminds residents to never provide personal or financial details to anyone making unsolicited requests if their identity cannot be verified.
“Your lifetime of experience has given you the instincts to recognize when something is wrong,” the agency stated in the release.
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who encounters suspicious activity or feels they are being targeted to trust those instincts and report the incident immediately. Residents can contact the PSO by calling 727-847-8102 and selecting option 7.
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