Orlando, FL – Orange County residents are being warned today about a phone and text message scam in which callers falsely claim to be from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and threaten arrest unless immediate payment is made.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are contacting people by phone, text message, or documents sent via text, alleging there is an active warrant that can only be resolved by paying money. Authorities stress that this is a scam and not how law enforcement operates.
The sheriff’s office says deputies will never call, text, or email residents to demand payment or threaten arrest over the phone. Officials urge anyone who receives such a call or message to hang up immediately, avoid engaging with the sender, and never send money or share personal information.
Scammers often attempt to create urgency by claiming legal consequences are imminent, sometimes using spoofed phone numbers or official-sounding language. Residents are reminded not to provide sensitive details such as bank information, Social Security numbers, or identification numbers.
If you believe you may have been targeted or victimized by this scam in Orange County, officials advise contacting the Orange County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 407-836-4357 for assistance.
Authorities also encourage residents to share this warning with family members, particularly older adults, who are frequently targeted in impersonation scams. Reporting suspicious calls can help investigators track patterns and prevent others from being affected.
Anyone receiving a legitimate legal notice, officials note, would be contacted through formal court documents—not through demands for immediate payment by phone or text.
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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