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Published on July 14, 2024
St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office Alerts Public to Scam Calls Requesting Bitcoin, Gift CardsSource: St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office

The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office is issuing a timely warning after a spike in scam calls targeting area residents. In these calls, scammers are masquerading as law enforcement officers and intimidating people with fabrications of outstanding warrants, demanding immediate payment through either Bitcoin or gift cards to avoid arrest. CBS12 reports that the sheriff's office has clearly stated that no legitimate law enforcement agency will request payments in such a manner.

In response to this escalating threat, the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office is encouraging the public to not only remain vigilant but to also actively report any scam attempts. These fraudulent calls are being placed with the intent to rapidly confuse and coerce lawfully abiding citizens to part with their money under false pretenses. According to information obtained by WPBF, the scammers persist that they won't drop the supposed charges unless they receive payment in the unconventional currencies of Bitcoin or gift cards.

As the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office intensifies its efforts to educate the community on these deceptive tactics, it also provides avenues for residents to securely report any such occurrences. Engaging in this fight against fraud, the sheriff's office asks that any individuals with potential information about these scams submit a tip online or via the recommended resource, Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers.

With awareness being a critical ally, the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office continues to actively remind residents through multiple media outlets that legitimate government officials or law enforcement officers will never solicit monetary contributions, especially not to swiftly resolve matters such as warrants. If you fall prey to, or know any information regarding these deceitful operations, you're advised to immediately report these interactions to authorities. Secure submission of tips can be done through the official sheriff's office website or by calling Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers, as well highlighted by both CBS12 and WPBF in their coverage of this issue.

Miami-Crime & Emergencies