FORT MYERS, FL – The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a new wave of phone scams where callers impersonate sheriff’s deputies and claim that a family member has been arrested.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), the scam calls often appear as “Unknown” or use VoIP numbers. The caller typically identifies themselves as a deputy, using different names, and claims that a relative has been taken into custody. The scammer then insists the relative can be released with an ankle monitor because of “overcrowded jail conditions.”
The fraudulent callers reportedly demand payment in advance, often through gift cards or cryptocurrency ATMs. In many cases, the family members being targeted actually have loved ones who were recently arrested — a detail scammers allegedly obtain from the public arrest section on the LCSO website.
Authorities say the scammers use that information to appear legitimate and pressure family members into paying to “expedite” the release. This tactic, known as doxing, involves using publicly available personal information for manipulation or fraud.
Residents who receive these calls are urged not to make any payments and to report incidents to the LCSO Economic Crime Unit or call 239-477-1000. Reports can also be filed online through the Sheriff’s Office self-reporting portal.
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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