Orlando, Fla. – Residents across Orange County are being warned to hang up immediately if they receive a call or text claiming they owe money to resolve a warrant, as scammers actively target the area with urgent payment demands.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, fraudsters are impersonating deputies and sending messages that claim a warrant has been issued and must be paid off right away. Officials stress these messages are scams and often attempt to pressure victims into sending money or sharing sensitive personal information.
Authorities emphasize that law enforcement will never call, text, or email to demand payment or threaten arrest over the phone. These scams often create a sense of urgency to trick residents into acting quickly without verifying the claim.
Residents in Orlando and surrounding communities are urged not to respond, not to send money, and not to share personal details such as Social Security numbers or banking information. Anyone who receives a suspicious message should hang up and contact the Sheriff’s Office directly at their non-emergency number.
Officials warn the scam is ongoing, and additional reports are expected as fraud attempts continue across Central Florida.
