PBSO and MCSO warn of 2 types of phone scams

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Two local law enforcement agencies issued warnings about scams Thursday afternoon. The first targets people whose loved ones are in jail, while the second tries to convince potential victims that they are the ones about to be locked up.

The latter is already being reported in Martin County, where the Sheriff’s Office warned people about phony phone calls from someone who claims an arrest warrant was issued for the person. To help make the scam more believable, the calls show up on Caller ID with the number of the county’s dispatch center.

The Sheriff’s Office reminded residents they will not ask for money over the phone for a warrant, a ticket, a fine, or jury duty. Anyone who receives a call like this should hang up immediately.

However, the agencies offered some ways to determine if the call is real. In its post, PBSO laid out three steps a person can take to be safe (from the PBSO post):

1. Get the Name: Ask for the company’s name and say you’ll call back.
2. Verify Independently: Look up the company online, check reviews, and call them directly using the number you find, not the one provided.
3. Visit in Person: Florida law requires bail bond companies to have a physical office. Visit to verify legitimacy.

PBSO also recommends being weary of demands of payment through mobile apps, noting legitimate companies will usually take more common forms of payment.

Additionally, if anyone believes that they may have been targeted by scammers, they should reach out to their local law enforcement agency as soon as possible.

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