The State Attorney’s Office has received reports from numerous citizens of Manatee County about a telephone scam

12TH Judicial

The State Attorney’s Office has received reports from numerous citizens of Manatee County about a telephone scam where scammers impersonate police officers and judicial employees to deceive unsuspecting victims into believing that they have violated a court summons and currently have an active warrant against them. The “bond” amount ranges between $100 to $1500, and several residents of Manatee County have fallen prey to this scam. These culprits demand payments through digital platforms like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App, promising a Zoom link to appeal to a judge after receiving the money. They often ask for gift cards as well. It’s important to note that no government agency will ever require you to make payments through the digital applications mentioned above.

These scammers are known to intimidate and coerce their victims into making payments. It’s worth noting that caller ID spoofing is a common practice among scammers. They can use any phone number for their calls, making it difficult to determine whether the information provided is legitimate. To ensure your safety, avoid sharing any personal information over the phone. If you need clarification on the legitimacy of a call, it’s best to hang up and contact the organization or company directly using a verified phone number.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and staying informed about the latest scams in your area is an excellent way to protect yourself and your loved ones.