Fort Myers, FL – Lee County residents are being urged to stay alert after a surge in fraudulent phone calls allegedly impersonating the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, officials said Friday.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, callers are targeting residents with claims of unpaid traffic violations, outstanding warrants, or missed jury duty. The calls often appear legitimate, displaying the Sheriff’s Office number on caller ID—a tactic known as spoofing.
Authorities emphasized that these scam calls may threaten arrest or demand payment through untraceable methods like gift cards or wire transfers. Officials stressed that the Sheriff’s Office will never solicit money via phone, text, or email, nor will they threaten jail time for missed payments.
Residents are reminded not to share personal or financial information over the phone with unsolicited callers. Law enforcement noted that caller ID can be easily manipulated using widely available technology.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call is urged to hang up immediately and report it to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 239-477-1000.
Officials encourage the public to share this warning with friends, neighbors, and family—especially seniors—who may be more vulnerable to phone-based scams.
