CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla — The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office wants to warn you about a phone scam going around with callers claiming to be one of them.
CCSO says they were notified of this scheme recently.
Investigators say they try to convince people that they have outstanding debts or an active warrant.
CCSO says the impostors tell people failure to rectify these debts will result in their arrest.
Investigators say the imposters suggest that you purchase prepaid gift cards and provide the card and PIN numbers to settle those debts.
They may also inquire about your bank account numbers and credit card information.
CCSO wants you to know that members will never call citizens to place them under duress.
They also will not seek to compel citizens to pay fines or face arrest or ask people to purchase prepaid products.
“It is my hope that when someone claims to be from CCSO and then makes a request that doesn’t match the ideals of this office, our citizens can identify that quickly and report it,” Sheriff Bill Prummell says.
The Sheriff's Office is asking you to call them immediately if you received one of these calls.
If you can write the number down, you can report the scam online.
Investigators say if you are contacted, whether it is via phone, email, or social media, do not continue the communication.
They are reminding everyone to never click on eternal links that seem suspicious in emails.
If you would like to learn more about protecting yourself from scams, call the Crime Prevention office at (941) 613-3227.
You can also send them an email.
