Fake Homeland Security Officer Raising Concerns

SPRING HILL, FL — The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office is warning people about a man who has scammed at least one victim in the Spring Hill area.

According to the agency, a man pulled over a victim around 8 p.m. on Tuesday on U.S. 41 at Bowman Road. The suspect was driving a midsize sedan with flashing red and blue lights. Once out of the vehicle, the suspect approached the victim and told him he was being stopped for speeding. The suspect identified himself as a Homeland Security officer and then asked for the man’s driver’s license and registration.

When the victim opened his console, the suspect noticed a bank envelop inside, along with the requested paperwork. The victim explained he just got paid and the suspect took the envelope along with the paperwork and walked back to his sedan.

Pasco deputies say the suspect returned to the victim’s vehicle, but didn’t bring the man’s cash with him. When the victim asked for the cash back, he was told he would have to go to the Tampa federal building to prove the money was his.

The victim called the federal building on Wednesday and was informed he was scammed.

Deputies are now looking for the impersonator they say was wearing a blue battle dress uniform with an embroidered five-point star and an eagle. “DHS” was embroidered on the collar. The suspect is said to be a white male about 6 feet tall. He is in his 30s, weighs an estimated 220 pounds and was clean shaven, the sheriff’s office said.

Anyone with information about the suspect or crime is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 727-847-8102 or 1-800-706-2488.

The sheriff’s office also warns residents if they find themselves in situations like this one to pull into a well-lit location with witnesses. Motorists can also call 911 and give their exact location, their car’s make, model and license plate to confirm they are indeed being pulled over.

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