Pinellas County, FL – The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents this week about a fast-growing wave of “CEO” or “Boss” scams that use fake texts or emails to impersonate workplace leaders and steal money or sensitive data.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers are targeting employees through LinkedIn and social media, gathering details about workplaces, managers, and even staff photos. They then contact victims—often through spoofed numbers or fake email accounts—pretending to be their boss with an urgent request.
Common examples include requests to buy gift cards for “staff surprises,” withdraw office funds for “vendors,” or share payroll or password details. Deputies say these messages often include pressure to act quickly and keep the exchange secret.
Investigators warn that modern scammers can now use AI-generated voice clips and cloned phone numbers to make fake requests seem authentic. “If your boss says to keep it secret, that’s your biggest red flag,” the Sheriff’s Office cautioned in the post.
Residents are urged not to reply to suspicious messages. Instead, verify any request directly by phone or in person using known contact information.
Anyone who believes they’ve been targeted or scammed should contact the Sheriff’s non-emergency line at 727-582-6200.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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