The Philadelphia Sheriff's Office has issued a very clear warning to the community that they will not call people to demand payment. Con artists have devised a new scheme to separate folks from their hard-earned money by masquerading as law enforcement. According to a Facebook post from the Sheriff's Office, these scammers have taken to spoofing, a tactic that has them calling unsuspecting residents while posing as sheriff's deputies to ask for payments through various mobile and online platforms.
Painting the picture of this deceitful act, the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office has stated, "We will not ask for payment via Cash App, Venmo, Zelle, or check." While spoofing scams are unfortunately a tale as old as time, criminals continue tailoring their methods to the modern age, reaching out to potential victims with the veneer of legitimacy offered by today's digital tools. Meanwhile, the Sheriff's Office encourages people to only make payments through official websites, safeguarding themselves from the predators prowling behind phone screens.
This advisory from the Sheriff's Office is a part of the department's ongoing efforts to combat fraud and protect the community from financial scams. Using social media to spread this crucial message allows for immediate communication with the public, an urgent necessity when conmen update their scamming strategies as quickly as technology advances. Engendering trust between law enforcement and the community is paramount, which is why the Sheriff's Office insists on drawing a clear line between their legitimate operations and the scammers' deceptive calls for payment.
