Lake County, FL – Residents across Lake County are being warned to stay alert after multiple reports of scammers calling people and falsely claiming there is an outstanding arrest warrant that can be “taken care of” with immediate payment.
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the fraudulent callers are posing as law enforcement officers and pressuring victims to send money over the phone to avoid arrest. Officials stressed that this is a scam and not how law enforcement operates.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that neither deputies nor any legitimate law enforcement agency will ever call residents to notify them of a warrant or demand payment by phone, text, gift card, or electronic transfer. Any call suggesting otherwise should be considered suspicious.
Authorities say these scams often rely on fear and urgency, using threats of arrest or legal trouble to push people into acting quickly without verifying the information. In some cases, scammers may use spoofed phone numbers or provide fake badge names to sound credible.
Residents who receive one of these calls are urged to hang up immediately and report the incident to local law enforcement. Officials say reporting helps investigators track patterns and protect others in the community.
The Sheriff’s Office also encourages residents to warn elderly family members and others who may be more vulnerable to phone scams. Officials recommend never sharing personal or financial information with unsolicited callers and verifying any legal concerns directly through official court or law enforcement channels.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized by this scam is encouraged to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line.
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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