Be aware of phone scammers

From Enterprise Staff

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging people to be aware of a scam that’s been going on recently in which people are impersonating employees of the sheriff’s office.

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“The scammers are attempting to extort money by asking for payment for various fines over the phone. This is NOT a practice used by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office or any other legitimate law enforcement agency,” Captain Dave Sottosanti said.

“A recent example shows that scammers are using the real names of certain deputies and/or detectives who work for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and stating that they need credit card information to pay for a bond. No employee of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office will call and ask anyone for money, for any reason,” Sottosanti said. “The phone number used by the scammers are spoof numbers and are not legitimate numbers to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The phone number for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is 936-327-6810.

“There are times when detectives or deputies will contact you by phone in reference to law enforcement business and investigations, but they will NEVER ask anyone for money. If you receive this type of phone call, please contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to make a report,” Sottosanti said.