Police Warn About New Telephone Scam

The Bradenton Police Department is warning residents to be wary of a new telephone scam that targets locals in an effort to part them with their cash.

The department said a victim called the front desk officer Sunday to report a call from 941-807-2326. The person on the other end of the line said he was a “pastor” representing Manatee and Lakewood hospitals.

The “pastor” told the victim he needed to collect $18 to help pay for a person’s medical expenses. The caller provided a name and the person’s Bradenton address.

The problem, according to Bradenton police, is that both hospitals say it’s a scam.

The police department urges residents to exercise caution when callers request money. For those who have been targeted by scammers, it requests they report the calls to www.ic3.gov, and also to the department or the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office so others can be made aware of the scam.

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