Scams

Federal Officer Impersonation

Consumers have reported that scam callers are identifying themselves as a federal officer and typically instruct people to wire or mail “settlement” money or to assist law enforcement with an investigation against a bank. These calls are fraudulent, and call recipients should hang up immediately. Federal agencies do not call or email individuals threatening them to send money or to use their personal money as “bait” for a federal investigation.

Fake Calls from the Lee County Sheriff's Office

Reports have been made of a fake phone calls that appear to be coming from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number (239-477-1000) and scammers are claiming that recipients of the phone call have outstanding warrants or subpoenas and are facing criminal charges. The scammers are telling the victims that they must purchase gift cards and read the gift card numbers to the scammers in order to avoid being arrested. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office will never contact you requesting money/payment for any reason. Should you receive such a call from 239-477-1000, or from any number where an individual is posing as a law enforcement officer requesting money/gift cards/payment, please hang up and contact the LCSO Fraud Unit at 239-258-3292.

Federal Employee Imposter in Clay County

A Clay County woman reported that a scammer pretended to be a federal employee and at one point even made it appear as though a non-emergency federal phone line was calling the victim. The scam involved access to a bitcoin machine and she was allegedly defrauded out of roughly $46,000. Consumers should always verify any communications received by contacting the government entity directly. Also, consumers should be wary of any requests for payment that must be made in cash, cryptocurrency, or via gift cards.

"FDLE Tampa" Fake Calls

Consumers are receiving calls claiming to be from “FDLE Tampa,” utilizing a spoofed telephone number mimicking “813-878-7300.” These scammers are claiming to be FDLE employees and threatening legal action regarding warrants. Be advised, these calls are fraudlent. These scams are frequently used to collect your personal and financial information. FDLE and law enforcement agencies do not discuss warrants over the phone or request payment in any form, including gift cards or cryptocurrency, to “clear” them.

Calls Threatening Medical Licenses

The Department of Health has reported that scammers are calling consumers and threatening action against health care providers' licenses by demanding money and asking for personal identifying information. Licensees will never receive unsolicited calls from the Department where personal information is requested, payments are demanded, or threats against your license are made. For more information and guidance on vitist: http://flhealthsource.gov/

Missed Jury Duty Scam

Scammers are posing as law enforcement, falsely claiming you missed jury duty and attempting to obtain money or personal information, don’t fall for it. If you’re ever unsure, contact your local law enforcement.

Fake Calls From Osceola County Animal Services

Consumers have reported that scammers are spoofing the Osceola County Animal Services phone number and calling people with lost pets, saying their lost animal needed medical attention, and asking to have money sent to them electronically, taking advantage of pet owners in their time of need. Please be aware: Osceola County Animal Services will never ask you to send money electronically or over the phone. If you have a question about a call from our number, hang up and call 407-742-8000 back for confirmation.

Jury Summons Scam

Consumers have reported that scammers are impersonating jury summons and claiming the call recipient failed to appear in court, convincing the call recipient to then call a fraudulent 1-800 number to pay a fee to resolve it. Never give out personal or financial information over the phone and always verify the request by contacting the agency or department directly.

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