PCSO issues scam alert for area

The Polk County Sheriff’s Department is warning those in the area of a recent scam.

For the past few days, it has been reported that citizens are again receiving phone calls from scammers using fake names or the real names of those employed by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The scammers threaten citizens with arrest either for not paying a fine or failing to appear for jury duty or that an arrest warrant would be issued. They will then attempt to obtain money from you, over the phone, by demanding payment in the form of certain gift cards.

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The scammers are using Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to falsify the information that shows up on a caller ID. This means that scammers can manipulate caller ID information to make it look like they are calling from a local number, the sheriff’s office, or from any neighbor or legitimate local business. They are even able to call you, using your own number. This type of Caller ID spoofing allows scammers to use the telephone numbers of innocent people in order to avoid block lists, as well as target and swindle victims for personal information or money.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office does not and will not ever contact citizens over the phone to collect any financial information or threaten for any type of payment. 

If you encounter a scam call like this, do not give personal, financial information or send money. You may always contact the sheriff’s office to validate any information you may perceive to be a scam.