Scammer Posing As Pinellas Lieutenant, Sheriff Warns

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — People who receive a phone call from Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office“Lt. Thomas Jackson” are being warned to hang up the phone and not give the man any money or personal information.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies have received reports about the so-called member of the agency scamming people out of money. Detectives say “Jackson” tells victims they have warrants out for their arrest for skipping jury duty.

“The suspect (then) tells the citizen that if they don’t turn themselves in at the sheriff’s office, or pay the fines, they will be arrested at their residence,” a Friday afternoon email from the sheriff’s office said.

To pay the fines, the caller tells victims to go to a convenience store and buy gift cards in increments of $500, the agency said. The victim is then told to give the lieutenant the numbers on the back of the gift cards to cover the “fines.”

“Detectives say there have been multiple incidents where Pinellas County citizens have been targeted using this scam,” the email said.

As always, the sheriff’s office reminds people that deputies never call residents to request money over the phone. Residents should not give out personal information or financial account information over the phone.

People who have information about the scam or who have been victimized by it are asked to call the sheriff’s office at 727-582-6200.

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