Another Phone Scam

On Friday, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a male subject, calling from a (646) New York area code number, requesting money to be paid to them through Cash App.

The suspects are claiming to be from the cartel, threatening people and demanding to have money paid or they will harm that person and their family. Disturbing/graphic photos and/or videos are usually then sent to the person’s phone to scare them into sending the money.

The scamming incidents are under investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division. The sheriff’s office is asking the public to be vigilant and to not entertain anyone requesting money through Cash Apps, other mobile Apps, and/or through any type of prepaid cards.

The FBI has also recently issued a warning about these types of scams that can also be done through texts or emails. These scams are also known as “virtual kidnapping scams.” If you feel that you are being scammed, do not engage with or entertain the caller and do not give out any personal or financial information.