Scammers Targeting Pinellas Residents, Deputies Say

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to be careful when they pick up the phone and hear a “deputy” on the other end of the line.

It seems a new round of scam calls is making its way across the county as bad guys try to part victims and their money. This latest scam attempt was first reported to the sheriff’s office over the weekend.

The scam unfolds when a victim answers the phone and is told that “Lt. Brad Fisher” from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is on the line. The phony law enforcement officer then provides his badge number and informs the victim they owe a $5,500 fine. If that money is not paid, the caller states, a deputy will be sent to the victim’s home for an arrest.

The scammer or scammers have been targeting the Madeira Beach area heavily, the sheriff’s office noted in an email to media. As of Monday, the office had been called about at least eight scam attempts. The incoming calls have originated from a telephone number with the proper 727 area code.

“The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office will never call citizens requesting money over the telephone,” the email stated. “Deputies advise citizens should not give personal information or account information over the phone unless you are initiating the phone call.”

Anyone who has been contacted by the scammer or who has been victimized is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 727-582-6200.

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